Resilient Rhys Ruddock hoping for a change of luck in Lyon

Rhys Ruddock could do with a change of luck. The 26-year old is eight seasons down the road from his senior Leinster debut and, though his abilities and leadership qualities have never been in doubt, the gods have conspired against him in the bid to establish a regular place in the back row for club and country.

The bare stats back it up.

Thirteen caps since his Test debut in 2010 is a paltry return for a man of his class. Ireland have featured in two World Cups during that time, but his own input has been limited to 10 minutes off the bench against Argentina in the quarter-final loss two years ago.