Joe Schmidt will name his Ireland squad for the November internationals on Wednesday and one uncapped player vying to be in the mix is Ulster centre Will Addison.
The 26-year-old left Sale Sharks after skippering the side last season to pursue an international career with the Grand Slam-winners.
Taking the route to the Aviva Stadium via the Kingspan, the centre has received praise from an Ulster teammate who like him made the switch from the Premiership to PRO14 in search of international honours.
Fly-half Billy Burns left Gloucester in the summer to make the trip across the Irish Sea and voiced his recognition for Addison’s performances for the province so far.
Proving himself to be something of a utility back, Addison has filled in for Louis Ludik (hamstring) at full-back and Darren Cave at outside centre
“He’s awesome. He’s very clever and he really understands the game,” Burns told the Belfast Telegraph.
“He’s a great communicator and obviously we’ve moved him to 13. He was flying at 15 and then had some rotten luck with injury.
“He’s a massive player for us. He’s played a lot of rugby in the Premiership and he gives a different dimension.
“We haven’t got Cavey at the minute but Will has stepped up and he deserves the plaudits he’s getting. If we can get the ball in the hands of our back three we’ve seen how dangerous they can be.”
England-born Addison, who qualifies for Ireland through Irish heritage, was switched to 13 from full-back after the emergence of Michael Lowry.
Ireland start their autumn schedule against Italy in Chicago on November 3 before Tests against Argentina, New Zealand and USA.