ANDREW PORTER is happy to be lifting a finger again after a well deserved break.

More than 12 months on from being included in a summer training squad for last year’s World Cup in France, Porter started at loosehead prop as Ireland secured a 25-24 win in their second and final summer Test against South Africa in Durban on July 13.

While a finger injury sustained in the previous week’s encounter in Pretoria was cleared up in time for him to keep his place, the Dubliner had accumulated a number of knocks and niggles during his lengthy campaign.

He started a total of 27 games for either Leinster or Ireland in 2023-24 — and with player welfare more and more of a priority in the game, the 28-year-old prop was afforded a much-needed rest for the opening two rounds of this season’s URC.

But he finally made his first appearance of the current term in Treviso last Saturday, featuring for 56 minutes in a comprehensive bonus-point triumph over Benetton.

And ahead of a busy period for province and country, he is glad to be back in the saddle.

Porter said: “My finger was half hanging off from the first Test.

“I got the operation the night of the first Test, to try and put me back together.

“Given the length of the season, you are carrying knocks towards the end. They pile up after a while and you try to manage yourself.

“You try to bring the best of yourself in those end-of-season games and on tour. Coaches know how to train smart at that stage.

“They know they don’t have to be flogging you. It’s a case of looking after you.

“You do look forward to your time off when the season is that long.

“I definitely enjoyed my time off on the beaches of Sardinia, but ready to get back into it now and raring to go.”

Previously an underage hurler with Kilmacud Crokes — he lined out for them in a Féile Division 4 final in 2010 — Porter started when Leinster overcame Northampton Saints in their Champions Cup semi-final at Croke Park back in May.

This Saturday will see the Blues returning to GAA HQ for a URC showdown against arch rivals Munster, a game for which more than 75,000 tickets have already been sold.

As someone who was in attendance when Leinster famously defeated Munster in a Heineken Cup semi-final at the ground in 2009, Porter — who is set to feature prominently for Ireland in next month’s autumn internationals — is understandably excited for Saturday.

He continued: “It’s hard not to think of the game in 2009. Being at that, it’s hard not to relive those memories.

“I remember being in the stands watching that, so it is even more special to be playing in it.

“You never know how many games you are going to play in Croke Park.

“You’ve to seize the opportunity when you do, given the history and the cultural importance to Ireland.

“It’s incredibly special as a stadium and a privilege to play there.”