Munster's wider brief can help John Ryan regain stalled momentum

FORWARD MOTION: Strong scrummager John Ryan has worked on defence this year, but has also targeted a greater influence with ball in hand. Picture: Tommy Dickson

International rugby isn’t always a step up. There are times when it can act as a brake, or a step back.

John Ryan, overlooked by Andy Farrell for Ireland’s Six Nations commitments last spring, endured an operation on a shoulder during the first lockdown but made a point of burrowing his way back into the Ireland reckoning on the game’s autumn restart.