When it comes to Ireland's long-term answer for the no. 10 jersey, the same handful of names have been suggested as potential replacements for the recently retired Johnny Sexton.
Jack Crowley is thought to be in pole position at the moment, with Ross Byrne also in the mix. In terms of potential future options, Harry Byrne and Sam Prendergast are two young players that are currently making their way in the game.
One name who has not been mentioned very often in this conversation is Bully Burns.
The Ulster player has earned seven caps for Ireland, the most recent of which came in 2021. However, he has not really come into the reckoning over the last couple of years due to some patchy form at provincial level.
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Ulster star remains realistic on chances of Ireland recall
While many may have disregarded Billy Burns as an option for Ireland moving forward, his form in recent times means that such a stance may have to be reconsidered. He has been excellent in a number of big wins for Ulster, including their victory over Leinster at the RDS earlier this week.
With the no. 10 jersey far from nailed down, could Andy Farrell give him another opportunity to stake his claim for the position?
Speaking after the win over Leinster, Burns admitted his form over the last couple of years has been nowhere near good enough to get him into the Ireland picture. While he remains realistic about his chances of returning to the squad, it is something he would love to do.
I’m desperate to be back. I loved watching the World Cup. I haven’t had any contact from them and it’s my fault that I haven’t warranted a phone call, to be honest with you.
I’m a realist. I haven’t been playing well enough the last couple of years, not from lack of trying. But I do feel like I’m starting to get back to the level where I was and I feel the style of rugby that we’re playing now will really suit me.
Everyone wants to play at the top level and I feel I’m a much different player to what I was when I was in the last time...
And that’s not necessarily the obvious mistakes, the mishit into touch against Wales. Just generally around the place. I’ve just got to keep playing well and see what happens...
I don’t want it to be a fluke. I want to keep building because the attacking kicking a couple of years ago was probably my point of difference and I went away from it, whether it be through confidence, lack of form or whatever.
While he may be a bit down the pecking order as things stand, it is not out of the questions that Billy Burns could play his way back into Ireland contention over the coming weeks and months.
A few more performances such as the one he produced against Leinster would certainly do his chances no harm.
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