Rob Kearney aware of intense competition among Ireland team-mates

Ireland international Rob Kearney admitted that he has been facing fierce competition from his team-mates ahead of the Six Nations 2017 tournament.

With the likes of Simon Zebo, Tiernan O'Halloran and Jared Payne pushing hard for the number 15 jersey, Kearney, who played a vital role in Ireland's historic 40-29 victory over New Zealand said he has been under constant pressure to deliver.

"Yeah I think so, because there's four really viable options there.

"It's not in the slightest the first time I've been under pressure (though). I've been feeling like that for a long, long time, right back to Geordan (Murphy) and Girvan (Dempsey).

"Felix (Jones) went through a stage there, and now you've got Zeebs (Zebo) and you've got Tiernan (O'Halloran)."

With Ireland set to take on Scotland in their Six Nations opener, Kearney will have to battle out for a spot with Zebo and O'Halloran while Payne might miss out due to long-term kidney trouble and the 30-year-old is wary of the challenge ahead to retain his place in the national squad.

"There was a huge amount of chat about Jared (Payne) last year, so it's not something new whatsoever," said Kearney.

"I'm fully aware of the huge level of competition that's there. It's really important now that with the depth there right across the whole board, I know if I'm not playing well I won't be there too long."