Munster out-half Tyler Bleyendaal says he remains "extremely motivated" to earn an international call-up for Ireland.
The 28-year-old New Zealander, who captained an U-20 All-Blacks team to World Cup success in 2010, arrived in Munster five years ago, but has suffered his fair share of injury set-backs.
The out-half has been involved in a number of Irish training camps since qualifying through the residency rule last year and says he is keen to get an international recognition in his adopted country.
"I’m extremely motivated and I’d love to do it," he told RTÉ Sport. "There’s a process in place which involves me staying fit, performing well for Munster and getting our team winning games.
"Successful teams, and you have seen that with 12 of our players in the World Cup squad, get players in. As an individual I'm purely focused on the process, but my motivation is still there, that's for sure."
The primary focus is the start of the Guinness Pro 14 campaign at home to the Dragons on Saturday week, but the lure of the green jersey is still present.
An injury to any of the out-halves would most likely see Ross Byrne get the nod to travel to Japan, but Bleyendaal remains hopeful of marking his playing time in Ireland with a call-up.
He understands the concerns regarding the residency rule, and the furore regarding Jean Kleyn’s inclusion for the World Cup squad has put the issue back under the microscope.
As far as the Kiwi is concerned, it is down to the authorities to make the rules and for the players to put themselves into contention.
"I understand [public concerns], but I also get frustrated with it because I feel they [World Rugby] have made the change to five years. For a player, often you signed a three-year deal and as a young guy moving country, it’s a big deal.
I guess the timing with Jean, playing his first game after only being qualified a few days, is what got people stirred up
"I have been here nearly five years, so it’s a big commitment for us to make. As to whether it is right or wrong, that is not for us as players [to say], we just come and work hard.
"I guess the timing with Jean, playing his first game after only being qualified a few days, is what got people stirred up. For him, I know he was in camp working his butt off to get an opportunity and I’m delighted for him. As a team, we are extremely happy for him."
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