"Will you ever be home to the farm again?"

That was the light-hearted response from James McNabney's father after he was called into the Ireland squad for the first time.

When the news came, the 23-year-old back row was in South Africa with Ulster and, without an eSIM in his phone, was trying to connect to WiFi when out for coffee.

When finally online, he saw the email that said he had earned an Ireland call-up from Andy Farrell.

"I was delighted. It was a big moment for the family as well," McNabney said.

"My mum was very proud and I don't think my dad knew what way to take it at the start.

"But no, they're both delighted for me and I appreciate the support they've given me."

Read Andy Gray's full article here.