This one’s for you.

It may not have been the best of games to be a part of, but Sunday’s Six Nation win over Italy in Rome was very special for one Ireland international.

Connacht outhalf Jack Carty made his debut off the bench late in the game having been a surprise inclusion in Joe Schmidt’s original squad and dedicated his first cap to his late cousin who passed away almost a year ago.

Carty was picked ahead of Leinster’s Ross Byrne in the squad after an incredible run of form for Connacht. And he credits some advice his late cousin gave him for his meteoric rise.

“It was a thing in the last 11, 12 months where I put my head down,” said Carty.

“I didn’t want it to be ‘what if?’ scenario.

“It’s coming up on a year since my close cousin, Brian, passed away and before he passed away, he would have said, ‘Don’t have any regrets or anything like that.’ 

“That’s something that’s spurred me on.

“I’m delighted for my family but his family as well. It’s been a tough time for his family and my family. I’m delighted that I can dedicate this cap to him.”

Top class. Let’s hope there’s more to come for him.