Donnacha Ryan positive on state of Irish rugby
Donnacha Ryan believes Irish rugby remains strong ahead of Leinster clash
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La Rochelle assistant coach Donnacha Ryan believes Irish rugby remains in a strong position as his side prepare to face Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in the Investec Champions Cup.
Saturday’s meeting will mark the sixth encounter between the teams in the past five years, underlining a rivalry that has grown through repeated high-stakes clashes in Europe.
Ryan acknowledged that Leinster endured a slow start to the season but noted their recent improvement, while the Irish provinces have experienced mixed fortunes in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Despite those fluctuations, the former Munster and Ireland lock feels the overall health of the Irish game is positive as attention turns toward the upcoming Guinness Six Nations.
"I think it's in a very healthy place," he said.
"When you see the amount of players that are in the Lions tour, they're facts. That's a fantastic achievement and then to go down and win the series there, that's incredible.
"Again, from an Irish player point of view, they probably wouldn't be as accustomed to going as deep into a season of playing that volume of games - something I probably learned here with our guys.
"We go well into June (or) July playing games and then to go back into pre-season on 1 August. It's not to say that you're kind of rugby worn down but at the same time, rugby is a contact sport but you need a lot of emotion in behind it as well to be able to fire on all cylinders."
