"I've been bouncing in every day. It's an incredible privilege."

After an 11-month absence from the green jersey, Ireland's Jack Conan wasted little time in getting back up to speed.

Bench impact was one of the keys to victory in the 27-22 win over England that kicked off the side's Six Nations title defence on Saturday, with the Leinster number 8 to the fore having been introduced in the 50th minute.

Having missed last summer's tour to South Africa for the birth of his first child and then Ireland's entire November slate through injury, the 32-year-old looked like he had never been away, yet said he had felt the time keenly.

"I hadn't played [for Ireland] since 16 March last year, 11 odd months," he said.

"Obviously expecting a baby, that was far more important than rugby, but missing November with an injury, you miss the environment, you miss the craic, you miss the lads.

"When you get a bit older, you realise that probably most of your good days are behind you, so I just want to make the most of every chance I get and I feel like I did that."