TAKE 20 James Ryan
‘Keith Earls is the best player I have played with. He can create something out of nothing as he did on my Ireland debut’
1. Pre-match meal? Spaghetti carbonara.
2. Favourite player growing up?
Ulster and Ireland player Stephen Ferris. He retired early but was a superb back-row player for both teams.
3. Best away day room-mate and why?
Hugo Keenan. Energiser.
4. Who would headline your house party?
Daft Punk.
5. First song they would play?
A toss up between ‘Around The World’ and ‘Harder Better Faster Stronger’. They can decide!
6. You win the lotto, what is the first thing you would buy?
A chef!
7. Favourite movie?
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’.
8. Favourite TV show and why?
‘The Simpsons’. Very simply it’s entertaining and funny!
9. Earliest rugby memory growing up?
Playing for St Michael’s in primary school.
10. Who is the joker in the dressing-room?
Dan Leavy.
11. Favourite holiday destination and why?
Castaway Island in Vietnam.
12. Favourite away ground to play at?
Red Bull Arena.
13. Three people (dead or alive) who you would invite to dinner?
Michael Collins, Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci.
14. Most memorable moment in rugby?
Winning my first Ireland cap against the USA during the summer tour to USA and Japan.
15. Do you have any prematch superstitions/rituals? I usually take a hot bath the night before a game.
16. Who is the best player you have played alongside and why?
Keith Earls. He can create something out of nothing as he did on my Ireland debut when he had a great game.
17. Who is the best player you have played against and why?
Bath and England’s Sam Underhill. I just found him to be a pest at the breakdown. Very effective player.
18. Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?
I have a twin brother.
19. Name three things that are always in your fridge? Chilli oil, sausages and milk.
20. Best advice you ever got? Knowledge is power.