John Ryan Eyes Victory as Munster Prepares for Leinster Clash

John Ryan is optimistic that Munster’s upcoming match against Leinster at Croke Park on Saturday will not only start strong but also finish with a decisive impact. The veteran prop, who has experienced both the highs and lows of Munster rugby, is aware of the intense pressure Leinster, the defending champions of the United Rugby Championship (URC), can exert during a match.

At 37 years old, Ryan acknowledges the challenges posed by injuries that have plagued both teams in previous seasons. Nevertheless, he believes the current squad is in good shape, buoyed by the arrival of new head coach Clayton McMillan and a solid three-game winning streak to kick off the new URC campaign. Despite still searching for complete fluency on the field, Ryan notes that the rigorous pre-season training under Brad Mayo, the new head of Athletic Performance, is yielding positive results.

Confidence Grows Ahead of Key Matchup

Munster’s recent victories against Cardiff and Edinburgh demonstrate their potential as they prepare to face Leinster, which Ryan describes as their toughest test yet under McMillan. The team is eager to break a four-game losing streak against their rivals, a situation Ryan is keen to change. Reflecting on last season’s 26-12 loss at Croke Park and the previous year’s 21-16 defeat at Aviva Stadium, he stated, “I think we’ve done that well the last few years against Leinster, to be fair.”

Ryan emphasized the need for the team to maintain their players’ fitness throughout the game, particularly in the front row. He recalled how, during last year’s encounter at Croke Park, he frequently switched positions due to injuries. “It’s crucial to keep the lads on the pitch and make tactical changes as needed,” he added.

Having recently returned from an elbow injury, Ryan made his seasonal debut last Friday in Cork, where Munster edged out Edinburgh with a narrow 20-19 victory at Virgin Media Park. “I’m feeling good,” he said. “I had a little bit of a knock in my elbow during a pre-season game, but I recovered quicker than I expected.”

Embracing Leadership in a New Era

As he embarks on his 14th professional season, Ryan reflects on his leadership role within the squad, particularly as he finds himself one of the oldest players. “It’s very different for me now because I’m out on my own,” he expressed, noting that many senior players, including Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray, have moved on. “I think Tadhg Beirne is next in line and he’s 33, so there’s a bit of an age gap there.”

Despite the age difference, Ryan remains enthusiastic about the younger players in the squad. “They are a seriously good group. I’m after silverware, and that’s what drives me. I left the club for six months, and they won a URC!” His determination to win is evident, and he jokingly remarked on the urgency, “If I’m not keeping up with the young lads, that’s time to go.”

Ryan is committed to his role and aims to contribute significantly to the team dynamics, particularly in set-piece situations. “They’re a lot fitter than me, but I’m helping out where I can,” he noted. He remains hopeful about maintaining a run of games and building on Munster’s early-season momentum as they gear up for this crucial derby against Leinster.