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Leinster and Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier knows that nothing is won in early September, but that doesn't mean that the 2027 Rugby World Cup escapes the imagination ahead of the start of the 2026/27 season.
Speaking at the launch of the IRFU’s new men’s and women’s national team jerseys at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery this week, the 33-year-old was in fine form, which could be attributed to a healthy body and mind.
"You always pick up a few bumps and bruises over the course of a year, but I've had a few weeks off now and I'm feeling great," he told RTÉ Sport.
"(I’m) feeling fit as well and getting back into a bit of pre-season stuff and ready for a big few months."
This optimistic outlook will come as soothing words to head coach Andy Farrell, who prepares his 12-month plan where all roads hopefully lead to a World Cup final in Sydney on Saturday, 13 November.
Van der Flier was part of the two most recent touring squads to Japan in 2019 and France in 2023, where both Irish efforts were ended by the All Blacks. There is a feeling of now or never ahead of the next edition however, but van der Flier insists that he is taking the coming months one at a time.
"It's always tempting to start thinking of those (major tournaments), but it's obviously like how rugby goes, it tends to be week-to-week and you've got to look after your pre-season first," he said.
"But it's definitely a big motivation this year. I think everyone was really excited to get back into pre-season. I certainly was. Get ready for what will be a big year ahead. It's definitely easy."
Ireland enter a busy 12 months which features the inaugural Nations Championship finals in November, a vital Six Nations campaign in the spring, club efforts as well as the World Cup; so motivation should be soaring for Van der Flier and co.
However, having fallen to a heavy defeat to New Zealand in July, and further drubbings at the hands of France (twice), South Africa and the All Blacks again over the past 18 months, questions have been asked of Ireland’s right to dine at the top table.
The Leinster veteran insists he blocks out the noise, but knows that the Irish camp will be working tirelessly to enter next Autumn’s World Cup as one of the favourites.
"I honestly haven't seen much of it in terms of the talk", he said.
"Just looking back at the last three games, the start of the Nations series, we probably didn't play our best against Australia, managed to get a good win against Japan, who played really well, and then we were pretty disappointed against New Zealand.
"As far as we're concerned, that's probably what I'd be focused on.
"I hadn't seen much of the chat around it, but it's definitely something Faz (Andy Farrell) always talks to us about, trying to improve every campaign. It's probably not something we've done consistently enough, but I'm sure we'll be looking to improve and hopefully be better in November and start to build a bit of momentum."
Ireland will play host to Argentina, Fiji and South Africa on consecutive weekends in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium before 'finals weekend’ of the Nations Championship in Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium to round out the November Test window.
Currently sitting in fourth place in the northern hemisphere table, Ireland are up against it to make it to the final, where one of South Africa or New Zealand are likely to be waiting.