James Ryan holds his hand up over costly Springbok red card

“I was devastated, to be honest, because it was at such an important point in the game," said Ryan.

NO EXCUSES: James Ryan says there are no excuses for his red card against South Africa. Pic: ©INPHO/Gary Carr.

A contrite James Ryan has accepted that there are no excuses for the red card he earned against South Africa last month.

The Leinster and Ireland second row caught Malcolm Marx flush in the face with his left arm when attempting to clear out a ruck in the Springbok 22. The immediate result was the cancellation of Tadhg Beirne’s try and a yellow card.