IRELAND SCRUM-HALF Kieran Marmion knows he hasn’t secured the back-up spot behind Conor Murray in a World Cup year but is determined to push for his place ahead of the November Tests.

British and Irish Lion Murray is currently out injured, and the mysterious nature of his neck complaint means he isn’t guaranteed to back for Ireland’s November fixtures against Italy, Argentina, New Zealand and the USA.

Marmion was part of Ireland’s tour of Australia in June. Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

26-year-old Marmion has played 22 times for Ireland and has been Murray’s understudy in recent years but his former Connacht team-mate, Ulster’s John Cooney, has been in outstanding form in the Guinness Pro14 early on this season. 

“John has been going well,” said Marmion. “He has been doing really well. He has been doing that for a few years and was doing that here as well. There are no surprises there really. 

“Luke McGrath is going really well too. There is great competition there. Obviously I haven’t had too many opportunities yet this season. When I do get out there this weekend I can kick on from last year.

“Of course I am looking forward to the November internationals. Hopefully I can put in a few good performances here, get in the squad and kick on from there.

“It’s a big year for everyone in Irish rugby. Everyone from all of the provinces want to go to that World Cup. It’s going to be a huge competition. That’s good for everyone. It means people will keep performing better. Hopefully, the squad gets better from that. 

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“I don’t think anyone knows how bad his (Murray’s) injury is. To be honest, I don’t really think about it too much. It’s just whenever I get the opportunity I am performing as best as I can. 

“That’s the case with everyone. You don’t really think about those outside situations.”