Conan driven on by competition at Leinster

After making just one league appearance last season, the back-rower is enjoying something of a breakout campaign in this year's GUINNESS PRO12.

The 22-year-old has played the full 80 minutes on five occasions, grabbing himself a try on one of those - victory over Edinburgh in October.

And despite competing for his favoured No.8 shirt with skipper and Ireland international Jamie Heaslip, Conan is confident of pulling his weight in 2015.

"I'm doing well in the position I'm in and it's not something I'm going to worry about for another year or two," he said. "At the moment I'm here and I'm happy.

"I was sitting down last year to try and think about my future, all the options I have to weigh up. I know I am in a very difficult position with a lot of quality players around me.

"But I kind of backed myself. I wanted to take my shot and see how I went and I'm glad I did."

The calendar year kicks off with another Irish derby for Leinster, who will host Ulster in the capital on Saturday.

And following their 28-13 defeat at Munster on Boxing Day, Conan is hoping to see the reigning champions get back to winning ways.

"Against Ulster, I expect another physical match," he added. "We know what they are going to bring to the table because they are always one of the most difficult sides to play against.

"It's a chance for us to right a few wrongs. If you look back against Connacht we were a lot better so we'll try to emulate that a bit more come Saturday."

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