Munster star Ronan O'Gara has admitted that it was a mistake to travel with Ireland in the disappointing southern hemisphere tour last month, with the veteran flyhalf calling it a "waste of time".
The 33-year-old started in Ireland's 66-28 defeat to the All Blacks in the first Test but was sin-binned and missed out on the remaining games against New Zealand Maori and Australia.
And O'Gara believes it would have been more beneficial to him if he had been given time off after last season's conclusion rather than being picked for the Ireland squad.
"You always want to be playing for Ireland against the best teams in the world, but, in my case, I would have liked to have gone on holidays after we lost to Leinster [in the Magners League]," he said.
"It would have been great if I could have had the four weeks off back then and had a long pre-season and really attack this season, but I was informed there was a full-strength team going so that was my decision made for me.
Advertisement
Get a new rugby team jersey for your club. The World Rugby Shop has a great selection with volume discounts on orders of 8+ pieces.
O'Gara admitted that he was not keen to tour in the first place, and his poor performances in the First Test put paid to his chances of having another chance, with Jonny Sexton preferred in the No.10 jersey.
He ended up on the sidelines and disenchanted with the tour – calling it a "waste of time."
"I was happy to go out there but as it turned out I didn't play well and I lost my place for the Australia game. That's the way it goes and you just get on with it then.
"You never want to turn down the opportunity of playing for Ireland and that was always there. I was trying to weigh up the decision in my head and I had mixed feelings myself about it.
"I was happy to go and give it all but I didn't play well against the All Blacks, and Ireland didn't play well, so you're watching for the rest of the tour and you feel like it's a bit of a waste of time. But you have to take your medicine when it comes to you."
With thanks to the Six Nations
RSS Feed
Get a new pair of rugby shorts for the spring season. The World Rugby Shop has the best selection of rugby shorts. CLICK HERE to visit the WRS.