Irish environment has helped me become a better leader, says Ryan 

Head coach Andy Farrell has certainly never had any doubts about the second row’s qualities as a skipper, first handing him the role in November 2020 during the Covid-contrived, behind closed doors Autumn Nations Cup against England at Twickenham.

LEARNING FROM THE BEST: James Ryan. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

James Ryan may have been captaining teams throughout his rugby life but his latest elevation to lead Ireland into Guinness Six Nations battle in Italy this Saturday still caught him off guard.

Round three’s visit to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico will mark the seventh time Ryan, 26, has captained his country and comes a fortnight after he earned his 50th Test cap as part of Johnny Sexton’s team which defeated France in epic fashion at Aviva Stadium.