RACING ACE RYAN NOT CRYING AT SLAM MISS

DONNACHA RYAN insists he has no regrets over missing Ireland’s Grand Slam triumph after the IRFU refused him a new central contract.

The 34-year-old (above) instead left for France and on Sunday his new club, Racing 92, are hoping to stop his beloved Munster from reaching a Champions Cup final.

“It’s certainly strange,” said second row Ryan, a Tipperary man who was with the Reds for 13 years before leaving last summer.

That move ended his involvement with Ireland, having earned 47 caps – the high point being the victory over the All Blacks in Chicago 2016 (inset).

He revealed last night that he watched the final minutes of the

Grand Slam finale against England in Racing’s new U Arena after his club’s win over Stade Francais.

“It was wonderful to see them win it in such a convincing manner,” the veteran insisted. “To do that against England in Twickenham - how often have we seen Irish sides struggle there? I was thrilled for the players.

“And in general I have been thrilled with my move here. Already I’ve an appreciation of what I achieved in an Ireland shirt.

“Of course you’d love to continue playing for Ireland for as long as you can but you’re also realistic.

“I’m 34 now. Nothing lasts forever. Rugby is only one part of my life and to be able to come across here, live in Paris, sample a new country and culture, embrace a new way of playing, has been fantastic for me.”