BRENDAN O’HAGAN expressed his pride at a dream international debut, as the York Knights star scored in Ireland’s 48-2 win over Jamaica in the World Cup.

The York playmaker scored Ireland’s third try at Headingley Stadium, scooting out of dummy half and through some fractured goal-line defence midway through the first half.

Ireland dominated tournament debutants Jamaica in a 10-try rout to begin their World Cup in style.

“It means a lot to me,” said O’Hagan. “Singing the national anthem at the start, it got me a little bit emotional, especially because I had quite a lot of my family in the crowd too.

“It’s hard to express my feelings of playing for my heritage on both sides of my family. Making my debut is a special moment.

“I’m just so proud that I’ve finally managed to play for Ireland and to have got the win too.”

The Australia-born O’Hagan qualifies for Ireland through heritage on both sides of his family, with grandfathers born in Derry and Sligo.

“I was either going to be an O’Hagan or a Gallagher, so the Irish is drenched in me,” O’Hagan explained.

He laughed: “Plus, just look at me. I look more Irish than I do Australian, until you hear me speak.

“I had my mum, my dad, my sister, my partner, her mum, two uncles, two cousins and the dad’s side of the family all there.

“I don’t think it did bring any more pressure. I think that, with the occasion itself, it just meant so much to me and everyone single person involved.

“I’m so proud to have pulled on that jersey.”

Ireland are being tipped by many to reach the quarter-finals this year, having failed to do so in the past two World Cups, given the depth of talent in their squad.

“It’s been unbelievable,” O’Hagan said of being in the Ireland set-up. “Picking up small things off Luke Keary, Richie Myler and GK (George King), I’m learning so much.

“Being in this environment, you just have to listen to everything and soak it all up. I’ve been asking Keary things and everything that he says I try to pick up on.”

Meanwhile, York back-rower Bailey Antrobus has been named in Wales' 19-man squad to face Cook Islands on Wednesday night at the Leigh Sports Village (7.30pm).