Ulster's James McNabney stated he is resolved to demonstrate his capabilities to the Ireland coaching staff ahead of next month's Nations Championship fixtures.
The Derry player missed out on the complete 2025-26 campaign following an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Despite the absence from the starting lineups, McNabney secured a start in Ulster's opening match against Edinburgh and has featured off the bench in the subsequent three United Rugby Championship games.
He indicated that he would like to see increased minutes on the pitch during the upcoming tour.
Ulster are set to face the Stormers in Cape Town this Saturday at 12:45 GMT.
The Derry side will be without their international players for the trip, having already suffered two defeats and two draws in the league so far.
Richie Murphy's squad reported no new injury issues before departing for South Africa.
Tom Brigg, Sam Crean, Jed Findlay, Rob Herring, James Hume, Martin Moloney and Zac Ward have been added to the travelling party.