John Muldoon is looking forward to his opportunity to impress Ireland coach Declan Kidney as the Connacht back-row gets set to make another appearance for Ireland against the Barbarians.
Muldoon last featured for his country when he lined out against Canada just over a year ago.
After another impressive season with Connacht, Muldoon has been handed a further chance tonight.
He is anticipating a difficult match against the Baa-Baas.
Speaking to Michael Corcoran, Muldoon said: ‘We’re really looking forward to it.
'The Barbarians are a quality side. They have quality players all through the ranks.
'Hopefully it will be a good occasion and the fact that we are putting on an Irish jersey makes it even bigger. We want to get off to a good start for the Tour.
‘From a personal point of view it has been a long hard season and I suppose this is a bit of a reward for that and I’m looking forward to going Down Under.’
The Barbarians provide a unique test for Ireland, with Malcolm O’Kelly and Alan Quinlan among the players in their starting line-up.
The 27-year-old added: ‘We all know each other very well. We play against each other a lot and we have a lot of dealings with each other.
'People will look to get themselves on the ball, put themselves out there and eventually the quality will come through.’
Connacht came close to achieving their long-term goal of reaching the Heineken Cup this season but ultimately fell short in the final weeks.
Muldoon is hoping the province can improve even more in the next campaign.
‘It is a long season and a lot of it has been enjoyable. Obviously we didn’t get our goals at the end of the season in regards to Connacht as a team but we went a long way to getting them and we went as close as we have been in a good few years.
‘We’re improving but I suppose everyone is improving and we just have to narrow that gap.’
