Over the past two seasons, Leinster prop Jack McGrath had made a rapid progression on both club and international stages.

After making his debut almost five years ago against Glasgow Warriors, McGrath had to wait until October 2013 for his first top-tier European appearance, but he has featured regularly for the province under the guidance of Matt O’Connor.

He started four of Ireland games in their successful Six Nations defence, but having made way for Cian Healy in the concluding fixture against Scotland, he was restricted to a 20-minute appearance in Leinster’s Champions Cup victory over Bath last weekend.

Sunday’s encounter with Newport Gwent Dragons is an ideal opportunity to work his way back into contention, but as he reflected on the previous weekend’s fare at the Aviva, McGrath was pleased to get a 20-minute run-out.

“Every week is an opportunity. I was pretty happy. Matt was pretty happy with the character of the guys. I think we all were. It was a pretty tough last 20 minutes,” McGrath said. “I thought we showed good trust in each other and good character to grind out the win.”

Despite his relatively limited game-time in Murrayfield on March 21, McGrath was not part of Leinster’s match-day squad against Pro12 leaders Glasgow Warriors in the RDS six days later.

“I think I played enough over the Six Nations and had done enough training in-between that the Glasgow game wasn’t really needed. I think they felt I probably needed a rest, but it’s coming to the point now where I probably need game-time after benching against Scotland and against Bath. There is only so much you can do in the gym, circuit-wise. You need to be playing rugby.”

In the absence of the front-line international stars last season, Leinster recorded five consecutive wins, but their form during the same period this year keeps them outside of the top-four heading into week 19 of the current campaign. McGrath is confident that they can bridge the gap.

“When you’re the holders, teams are going to want to pitch themselves as good as you. They really want to have a shot at the champions and get a scalp.”

Meanwhile Leinster confirmed yesterday that 27 existing players had signed new IRFU contracts with the province and a further four have been added to the squad.

Internationals Isaac Boss, Sean Cronin, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Kearney, Zane Kirchner, Fergus McFadden, Kevin McLaughlin, Martin Moore, Jordi Murphy, Eoin Reddan, Noel Reid, Mike Ross, Dominic Ryan, Richardt Strauss and Devin Toner have all recommitted to Leinster.

Head coach Matt O’Connor said: “I think it reflects very well on the set up here in Leinster that so many international class players see their immediate future in a blue jersey.”

The other players who put pun to paper once more are Bryan Byrne, Ed Byrne, Jack Conan, Tom Denton, Darragh Fanning, Dan Leavy, Cathal Marsh, Luke McGrath, Mick McGrath, Colm O’Shea, James Tracy, Josh Van Der Flier.

Leinster confirmed Johnny Sexton is to re-sign and will be joined by lock Mick Kearney and props Royce Burke-Flynn and Ian Hirst.