He was selected on the bench for Ireland's 2013 Six Nations Championship game against France on 9 March 2013, his first senior call-up, though he did not come on during the 13–13 draw. Archer made his senior debut for Ireland a week later, coming off the bench against Italy. On 23 October 2013, Archer was named in the Ireland squad for the 2013 Autumn Tests. He came off the bench against Australia on 16 November 2013 to win his second, and, so far, last, cap.