While Simon Zebo's omission grabbed much of the headlines when Joe Schmidt named his squad for the November Internationals, Ulster's Tommy Bowe is another absentee.
The experienced wing, who has been beset by injuries in recent years, but has been getting plenty of game-time with his province this season.
While his future with Ireland is clouded with doubt and uncertainty, Bowe does not see it that way as he told our own Dave McIntyre.
"I understand that looking at the Irish squad there's a lot of new guys being brought in, a lot of new faces, couple of first cappers and I think with the World Cup coming up in two years, I'm 33 years old, the chances of me being around for Japan in two years time might be a bit tough but while I'm still playing, I still want to be pushing myself for the top and I'm not in Carton House at the minute but I know if I got the opportunity to get down there, I'd love to get stuck in."
And he has no intention of calling it a day himself: "It would kill me the day that I would have to retire from rugby. I don't think I could possibly say to myself that I want to retire from Ireland and keep playing for Ulster.
"For me personally, I don't think I would ever get to the stage where I'd want to retire from international rugby."
In regards to contact with Schmidt while he is outside the fold, Bowe said it was through Ulster director of rugby and former Ireland backroom team member Les Kiss that he gets his information about what his thinking is at the moment.
Bowe is also happy with his progress on the fitness and performance front this season.
"I think I must have played nine or 10 games so far this season, body feels really good, I'm enjoying my rugby and I think I'm playing some decent enough rugby too and it's just good to be back on the pitch and the body feeling good for a change," he said.
"It's the first time I've been able to turn up for training and not have to do half an hour of pre-hab before going out on the pitch."
Bowe, who previously played in Wales with Ospreys, also touched on Schmidt's decision to omit Zebo from the November International squad following the Munster player's announcement that he will depart the province and these shores at the end of the season.
"The IRFU have made the decision pretty early," he said of the drawing of the line to discourage more players from leaving for French or English clubs.
"And certainly if anybody else is in that situation where they have that decision to make, it'll make it a very difficult decision for them because now if you are to go to join a different club outside, you can kiss your chances of playing for Ireland goodbye by the looks of things."
Aviva, Ireland’s leading multi-line insurer, IRFU partner and proud sponsor of the Aviva Stadium, has today announced Ireland and Ulster rugby player, Tommy Bowe, as their new Rugby Ambassador. In his new ambassadorial role, Tommy will now work with Aviva to highlight its extensive range of insurance and financial products and support them across several rugby initiatives – including the Aviva Mini Rugby Festivals. For further information on the Aviva Mini Rugby Festivals, search ‘Aviva Mini Rugby’, or follow all the action on Aviva’s Facebook page and on Twitter, using #AvivaMinis.
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