Tuohy wasn’t chosen as part of the match day 22 as Kidney’s troops fell to a 23-21 defeat at the Aviva Stadium thanks to a last-gasp penalty from Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny.

He was then released back to Ulster in the build up to the game against France and named man of the match in the Irish province’s 30-12 RaboDirect PRO12 win over Newport.

But lock Tuohy – who has made two appearances off the bench for Ireland – wasn’t making much of his release and knows he can still feature in this year’s Championship campaign.

“I wouldn’t say that I sent a message out to Ireland and Declan Kidney,” said Tuohy – who is yet to appear for Ireland in any RBS 6 Nations campaign.

“I am just going to carry on working hard and hopefully there will be an opportunity in the next five or six weeks to put the green jersey on.

“But at the moment I am just pleased to play with Ulster. We were clinical on the counter attack against Newport and on the loose ball and that paid.”