Ireland's win over Fiji will not last long in too many people’s memories but it’s definitely one Jeremy Loughman won’t forget in a hurry.
The Munster loosehead’s performance on debut was one of the positives from a patchy Ireland display against Fiji, forming part of a dominant maul that earned a plethora of penalties and helped create two first-half tries for Nick Timoney.
Loughman’s girlfriend and sister were at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday and although his parents were unable to make it over from their home in the United States, the 27-year-old is hell-bent on ensuring they will have other opportunities to see him in an Ireland shirt.
"It was such an amazing day, something you look forward to and dream about so much from when you’re a young kid," said Loughman.
"It’s been a long journey and to get that [first cap], the confidence builds in yourself and the drive to do it again is incredible.
"I could feel it straight away afterwards. I was like, 'I’d love a bit of this again now’. I don’t want to make it a one-cap thing, I want to keep driving on and getting better and better every game."
Loughman was so shocked at being told he was in the team to face Fiji that he even forgot who he would be lining up alongside.
"We were sitting in the meeting when the team went up, I couldn’t believe it," he said. "It’s something you dream about so much as a kid.
"To see my name there in a starting role, it took me off guard a little. I couldn’t even remember the rest of the team! It wasn’t until I went out to training that I could see the rest of the team, who was around me.
"It was incredible, an unforgettable moment. I can’t really put into words how special it was."
Loughman toured New Zealand with Ireland last summer and started both midweek games against the Maori All Blacks, while he gained further exposure with Ireland 'A' earlier this month.
Those experiences were crucial in helping him make the breakthrough at senior level.
"I was in at the back end of the Six Nations and got a little taste of it, but that tour in New Zealand was unbelievable," he said.
"I got to be in the middle, the lads getting ready for their Test games and me for the Maori games. To experience that and how it pushed me on, I felt that toll was invaluable.
"On the back of that, I’ve really shown improvement, have taken my learnings from that and keep adding more to my game. Being around the lads and with them in training day-in day-out, just the small things you pick up make such a big difference.
"It’s about putting yourself forward and showing everyone else that you’re such a close team. You've got to prove to the lads around you and the coaches that you should be there.
"For us lads on the fringes, those games and experiences with Emerging Ireland, the Maori and New Zealand A games are just invaluable to show everyone what you can do in those big games.
"When you do get your time, you’ve to take your chance and give everything you got."
