IT’S A RYAN SHAME

Alan blames the IRFU for departure of Donnacha

ALAN QUINLAN believes the absence of Donnacha Ryan from Ireland’s summer tour is a direct result of the IRFU not coughing up to keep him.

The experienced lock wasn’t picked in Joe Schmidt’s squad for one Test in the US and two in Japan next month. Ryan, 33, did not get offered a new central IRFU contract and has decided to move to Racing 92 in the summer. As such, he has almost certainly played his last game for Ireland. “This is the reality when players move abroad now,” said Munster legend Quinlan. “Joe Schmidt has said that. He’s not entirely ruling him out, and I agree with him. “I don’t agree with the decision of the IRFU not stepping in, and letting Donnacha go. He is 33, the guy has had a lot of injuries but there is still a lot to come from him. So it was really disappointing that they couldn’t agree terms. “I thought he would be brought for his experience and leadership for the younger players and you’d imagine he was probably on standby for the Lions, but I’m not sure where that stands now.” However, Quinlan is pleased that Schmidt has selected eight new faces for the trip. “James Ryan is probably the big talking point,” he said. “People are talking about him being very similar to Paul O’connell and having some great attributes. He’s a fantastic player and it is brilliant to see him in the mix. “I was delighted to see Rory O’loughlin in. I was very impressed with him this year for Leinster. “Jacob Stockdale is another one. He’s a brilliant player. All these guys can learn a lot. We’re not saying they are the finished article but in two years’ time some of these guys could be starters at the World Cup.”

IRISH OVER Lock Donnacha Ryan is unlikely to play for his country again after being left out of Ireland’s summer tour HE IS QUIN THE RUNNING Alan Quinlan was at the launch of the Topaz Cash for Clubs initiative in Dublin yesterday