Nathan White feared he would never play for Ireland
Sunday 16 August 2015 13:58, UK
Nathan White admits he feared he would never realise his dream of playing for Ireland after "dark days" recovering from injury.
Connacht's tighthead prop became Ireland's third oldest debutant of all time in Saturday's 28-22 victory over Scotland in Dublin.
New Zealand-born White was set for his Test debut in November only to suffer an arm injury in training which required surgery.
And White conceded he thought international rugby had passed him by.
But head coach Joe Schmidt kept faith with the 33-year-old and his impressive cameo off the bench on Saturday has boosted his chances of making the World Cup squad.
White said: "When I injured my arm back in November, that was very disappointing, but then to get fit and injure my back... there were definitely a few demons.
"Connacht offered me a new contract though, so that really made me determined to get myself right and do right by them.
"I don't know how many coaches would show the kind of faith that Joe has shown in me.
"He's backed me and given me a crack, and it's just fantastic to have had that chance.
"There were dark days in rehab but the carrot was always to be in the position to play in a game like this, so it's great to have done it."
White looks set to battle it out with Michael Bent for the last prop berth in Ireland's 21-man World Cup line-up.
