James Ryan: It took me a while to find my confidence after head injuries

Ryan's record as a pro after his first season in 2018, which yielded a Heineken Cup, a Grand Slam and a Pro 14, read played 21, won 21

EYES ON THE PRIZE: James Ryan says he has found his confidence again. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

To look back over the sweep of James Ryan’s first few seasons and their canopy of astonishing performances as a professional player is to stand on a Himalayan peak and rank the summits in order of majesty.

His early days challenged all sorts of conventions. Ryan was press-ganged into a Munster jersey so that Joe Schmidt could run an eye over him before the summer tour in 2017. And he played senior rugby for his country before lacing a boot with Leinster.