Garry Ringrose believes Ireland can gave the country a much-needed boost in their final two Guinness Six Nations fixtures.
The Men in Green resume their title bid against Italy on Saturday, as the Championship re-starts after a seven-month break caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
If Ireland beat Italy and Round 5 opponents France and secure a bonus point from both games, they be crowned champions.
And outside centre Ringrose says they are doubly motivated in their bid to deliver the trophy after a difficult 2020.
“People are going through incredibly tough times,” said Ringrose.
“We’re lucky to be able to come in and do our jobs together. We’re being given an opportunity to provide a lift to some people who might be going through a tough time.
“I know when I’m watching sport, very little else matters. There’s a responsibility on us to do our bit if we can to do that.
“Some people are at home, whether they’re elderly, on their own or people trying to work from home with young kids.
“We’re incredibly lucky to be able to come in and do what we do.”
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has a selection dilemma at full-back after news broke that Jordan Larmour will be out for up to four months with a dislocated shoulder.
Larmour started Ireland’s last three matches at full-back and was likely to keep the jersey for the rest of the Championship and Autumn Nations Cup.
Farrell could go with Ulster’s Jacob Stockdale, who has moved from wing to full-back in the Guinness PRO14 this season.
Uncapped duo Hugo Keenan and Shane Daly are also in the squad and Ringrose is impressed with what he has seen so far.
“Both equally deserve to be in the position they are and they certainly haven’t slowed down in training. The pair of them have adapted incredibly quickly. I knew all the coaches would encourage everyone to have a point of view and a voice. Be honest with each other,” he said.
“Whether you’ve a hundred caps or whether you’ve no caps. The pair of them have been brilliant so far in training and I’m excited to see what more they can provide.
“I’m gutted for Jordan. You never like seeing anyone pick up an injury, but it’s kind of just the nature of the game unfortunately. We’ve all been there.
“I’m gutted timing-wise for him, coming into this block internationally. I know he’s someone that would have been mad excited to attack the opportunity that we have.
“Jordan’s such a quality player and I love playing with him and learning off him every time we play. He sees things and does things that a lot of us can’t do.
“I definitely miss him in that regard and I know all our thoughts are with him to get his body right, and I’ve no doubt he’ll be humming come a few months’ time down the line.”
