The 31-year-old, who has just clinched a return to Ulster, picked up the last of his 26 caps against Italy in a 2003 World Cup warm-up match, but a good run of form for his province could see him wear the green shirt once again.

Fitzpatrick admits it was a difficult decision to return to Ireland after two seasons with French club Castres, but one he is hoping will pay off.

''It was quite a tough decision. I had been very happy here [in Ulster] and I only left because I just needed to see and do something different,'' he told the Belfast Telegraph.

''I went to Castres and was very well looked after and thoroughly enjoyed it there. But really, I still have a burning desire to play for Ireland. So when the opportunity came up to play for Ulster again, it all seemed to add up.

''[There is] a young team and a new set of coaches there with a lot of hunger.''

Fitzpatrick is not aiming for too much too soon, though, and knows he has to do the business for Ulster before thinking about Ireland.

''First things first. I have to get myself into good shape, get myself into the team here and play well within a team playing well,'' he added.

''Those are my short-term objectives. Thereafter, what will be, will be.''