The world has started to feel like a much bigger place since March 2020.
Twenty one months on from the pandemic shutting down the world's borders almost overnight, there are a lot of people getting ready for a second Christmas away from their family and friends.
John Porch is one of those who will be relying on technology to get some face time with his family in Australia tomorrow.
The Connacht winger would have been in Ireland anyway for Christmas, preparing for the traditional run of derby games, but the travel restrictions of the pandemic means he's been unable to make it Down Under to his family since January 2020.
But fortunately, Porch is one of many in the Irish system who will be spending their Christmas Day in the company of their teammates.
At Connacht in particular there is a large international contingent; from head coach Andy Friend and forwards coach Dewald Senekal, to players out of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Tonga and Samoa.
"It's obviously tough being away from family but there are a few this year who are in the same situation so a couple of us will get together, put a nice feed on, have a bit of a meal and stuff, and chat, and make it feel as homely as we possibly can," Porch explains.
"We will get the family on a video call. It looks like they are living their life over there, it’s not too bad over there (in Australia)."
The former Australia Sevens international says he'll be spending the day with his fellow wing Alex Wootton. Wootton's taking care of the cooking. Porch may help with the dishes.
"I won't be arguing with anyone, whatever is on the table I’ll be eating up. I need as much food as I can.
"That’s the unique thing about Connacht. There’s people from all over the world here, more so than the other Irish provinces. So, to be able to get together and learn about other people’s cultures and the way they go about stuff and what their traditions are on Christmas Day, it’s good and you start building your own rugby family and you get to enjoy Christmas Days with them."
The 27-year-old has been a popular member of the squad since he linked up with his former Aussie Sevens coach Friend in 2019, his languid running style and natural ball skills fitting in neatly with the Connacht way of playing the game.
His progress this season has been stunted with minor knee surgery, but he has returned in fine style in the last fortnight with tries against both Stade Francais and Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Champions Cup.
With fellow Australian Mack Hansen still an injury doubt, Porch will be expected to lineout again this Sunday away to Ulster, against whom Porch also crossed for a try in their October meeting at the Aviva Stadium.
"They are coming off two highs in Europe so they are going to be absolutely buzzing for this game in front of their home crowd up at Ravenhill, so we have got to go up there, we have got a job to do.
"Obviously, the Aviva situation, what happened, they are going to want a bit more revenge from that.
"We will go up there, we will have our game plan and if it works that's the plan for us. We can’t control them, we can only control ourselves," he added.
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