Ireland are due to host New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Australia this month.
The former Ireland backrow hopes to use his experience to help guide the next generation and learn from his mistakes
All 35 members of Andy Farrell’s squad trained on Wednesday.
Andy Farrell's men travel to South Africa in a less bullish mood than a matter of months ago due to some high-profile losses
The 25-year-old suffered “bumps and bruises” while captaining his country to a 36-0 win over Italy in round two of the championship.
Assistant coach Simon Easterby insists Ireland will not be thinking about the Rugby World Cup final that never was when they launch their Guinness Six Nations title defence.
Ireland have no concerns about potentially thrusting Test rookie Jimmy O’Brien into a World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand as they anxiously wait on the availability of first-choice wings Mack Hansen and James Lowe.
Ireland believe they are capable of significant improvement moving towards a pivotal Paris showdown with Scotland.
