Harlequins prop Mike Ross believes a change at the helm for Ireland could pave the way for him to add to his list of international honours.

The 28-year-old, along with fellow prop Ceri Jones, has been one of the reasons why Quins are eyeing a slot in the Guinness Premiership play-offs after a run of seven wins from 10 league games.

Boss Dean Richards was mystified earlier in the season when Ross was omitted from the original Ireland A squad for this year's second-string matches before being called to the bench for February's clash with Scotland A.

And the former Cork Constitution man believes the departure of Eddie O'Sullivan - who looks set to be replaced by Munster's Declan Kidney - could pave the way for an international call-up this summer.

"I wouldn't be human if didn't think about Ireland and playing for my country. I definitely want to be in there," Ross said.

"Perhaps a new coach coach will give me an opportunity. I knew Declan when I was with Munster briefly and, although I never signed for them, he was in contact with me a few times.

"It is difficult to get into his teams, but that is the way he wants it."

Quins play-off hopes suffered a dent when they went down 23-16 to Sale Sharks on Sunday, despite scores from Tom Williams an Danny Care.

The result was tempered slightly with news that 27-year-old New Zealand fly-half Nick Evans, who has 16 caps for his country, will be joining up with the squad next season "Nick is a highly skilled and versatile player with a wealth of experience of playing top- level rugby at international level and in the Super 14s competition," said director of rugby Dean Richards.

"He will be a valuable asset to our side and I am looking forward to working with him."

Ross and loose-head Ceri Jones have 3,091 minutes of Premiership rugby between them this season - more than any other props in the competition - and have played a large part in their side's success this campaign.

But hooker Tani Fuga is a doubt to complete the front- row holy trinity for this weekend's trip to Leicester Tigers after being stretchered off against Sale.

Irishman Ross insists Saturday's game at Welford Road is the type Quins must start winning if they are to achieve their ambitions.

"If we want to be challenging for the top four every season, we have to be able to go to teams at the top of the table and win," he said.

"There is no point relying on them having an off day or one or two injuries.

"We have to start getting results in our own right."