Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll has targeted a return to international rugby after being sidelined with a shoulder injury.
The 32-year-old was absent for Ireland’s 10-6 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday but has declared himself fit for the Men in Green’s World Cup warm-up match against France this weekend.
“When I get onto the pitch I'll be ready for it. I'm in as much need of match practice as any other player,” said O'Driscoll.
“Until I get to play a few games I won't really be at full speed.”
Ireland take on France twice in the coming weeks before Declan Kidney announces his 30-man World Cup squad on August 22.