Ciarán Frawley is hoping it'll be third time lucky, as he looks to earn a Test debut with Ireland next month.
The versatile Leinster back is in line to win a first cap in November, one of six uncapped players involved in the 37-man squad for the Bank of Ireland Nations Series against South Africa, Fiji and Australia.
Frawley has had to be patient for his chance, having been involved in the senior squad for the first time 12 months ago, as well as touring New Zealand with Ireland in the summer. He featured in the tour games against the Maori All Blacks, but he's yet to be involved in a full Test with Andy Farrell's side.
And after the 37-man squad got down to work in Dublin today ahead of next week's opener against South Africa, Frawley says he has a burning desire to make the next step.
"Yeah, this is my third camp now. I was in [the squad] this time last year for the first time, so it's good to be back, seeing the lads again," he said.
"We were only watching a video this morning of our time over in New Zealand and just all the special moments we had off the pitch after the Tests.
"I suppose when you're part of it, and playing the Tests and win the series it’s incredible and it just gives you that bit of hunger to be a part of it.
"I know, obviously, I played in two Maori games, but the Test games are the big ones that you want to throw the jersey on for.
"Hopefully this time around, third time lucky, we might put on the jersey for a Test game."
With Joery Carbery set to be fit to face South Africa on 5 November, it's likely Frawley (above) will be involved for Ireland A against an All Blacks XV next week, with a debut more likely against Fiji on 12 November.
As well as the question of when he plays for Ireland, there's also a question of where he plays.
The question of what the 24-year-old's best position is has been debated heavily, with the bulk of his gametime in recent seasons at Leinster coming in the centre, while it's believed Ireland coach Andy Farrell sees him as potential long-term option at out-half.
And even last week he showed further flexibility by starting at full-back for Leinster in their 27-13 win against Munster.
He is diplomatic when asked what number he'd prefer to see on the back of his Ireland shirt.
"I have to get my first cap here first!" he laughed.
"To be honest, I wouldn't be looking that far ahead, but just do my best, whether it is playing the New Zealand A game and go from there, play well in that and maybe look at one of the games, Fiji or Australia.
"If the body is feeling good, back to Leinster, a few big games with them, European Cup and there’s also a Six Nations before that World Cup so there is a lot of games coming up so it would be hard to pinpoint one position.
"It's kind of the best of most worlds, isn’t it? It’s nice to have a position but also in the back of your mind you have a World Cup coming up and the versatility card can always benefit you in terms of selection for that.
"Look, I suppose I can’t be - I don’t know if too greedy is the word - but I’m happy to play minutes and that’s the main thing for me at the moment, I haven’t played a lot this season so far.
"It’s just about getting the minutes, whether that be at 10,12 or 15, which are the three positions I’ve been playing over the last season or two."
If out-half is to be his long-term home, then he knows he can learn from one of the best in the business in his Leinster and Ireland captain Johnny Sexton (above).
"Johnny's unreal," he added.
"We’re so lucky to have him in Leinster and here, speaking for all the lads. Without knowing it, we’re actually learning a lot off him, you can see the way lads are playing is very similar to Johnny. Picking up little things like holding the ball at the line, that last second that he does so well. But then he’ll also give you a lot of constructive criticism.
"He wants to get the best out of you. When lads are playing with Johnny they always bring their game to the next level because they understand the standard they are playing with as well. He’s brilliant to have."
And he says he isn't fazed by the hype surrounding him as the potential heir to Sexton's number 10 jersey.
"To be honest, it's just my mates that fill my head with it. I try to stay away from social media as much as I can, but they inform me enough, 'Why aren’t you playing 10, blah, blah?’.
"I’m just trying to play as many minutes as I can. So yeah, again it comes back to what position I think I should play, I’m not sure yet, I’m still trying to figure that out.
"But it’s good to be getting the experience in multiple positions and hopefully if it comes down to nailing one position, it will help me in terms of understanding what you want from a 15 or a 12 or a 10."
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