Thursday 21 September 2017 17:00, UK
Bundee Aki told Sky Sports being part of the Ireland camp was an "eye-opener" but is relishing the challenge of making the step up.
Aki was speaking to Graham Simmons ahead of Connacht's Guinness PRO14 clash against the Cardiff Blues, live on Sky Sports Action from 3.15pm on Saturday.
The centre, who qualifies for Ireland in October, had previously been reluctant to confirm his international ambitions, but in August he took part in an Ireland training camp for the first time.
"I went to the camp recently and I was very excited," said Aki. "Very nervous at the same time; when I got there I was meeting different kinds of people. I was very excited too, just seeing how they do things.
"It was an eye-opener, a big step up from pro rugby. I enjoyed every moment of it and I enjoyed the challenge that was laid out."
The 27-year-old said there was plenty to take on board during the camp.
"Obviously you have to learn a lot of things. A lot of books, head inside the paper and pens down!
"I was actually very lucky to be in that first camp. There was a few of us there so it was good."
The midfielder did say that despite the potential chance to feature for Joe Schmidt's side, his focus lies squarely on helping Connacht excel in the PRO14.
"[I'm] just taking it one step at a time, obviously I just need to play well here for us first and see how we go."
Watch Connacht v Cardiff Blues on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Action from 3.15pm
