James Ryan ‘ridiculously mature for a lock’, says James Lowe

When Sexton went off in the first half of Ireland’s Autumn Nations Cup win over Wales last Friday it was 24-year-old Ryan who assumed the captaincy

DREAM DEBUT: James Lowe touches down for a debut try in Ireland’s Autumn Nations Cup win over Wales at the Aviva Stadium. Lowe accepts Ireland trip to Twickenham on Saturday represents a ‘daunting’ assignment. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

It is not just Andy Farrell who has recognised James Ryan’s leadership potential.

With Ireland captain Johnny Sexton ruled out of Saturday’s daunting visit to Twickenham, James Lowe believes the 24-year-old lock has come of age as a leader.