I’LL NEVER CHANGE STYLE

Ireland star Ryan says big collisions will always be part of his game

JAMES RYAN insists he will never change his all-in game despite concerns for his career lifespan.

A reluctant spectator on the touchline in Rome after he was given the weekend off for the middle fixture in this Six Nations, Ryan will return with a vengeance for the visit of France in six days time.

“I’m probably a bad watcher,” he grimaced. “It’s not easy, you hate being on the sideline watching, you feel kind of helpless.

“It wasn’t great at times but there was a small bit of relief towards the last quarter, I maybe got to enjoy it a small bit more.” But what second row Ryan really enjoys is getting stuck in and making as many line-busting carries as he can.

The Leinster ace is a threat to any opposition – and certainly not only in the lineout.

But his swashbuckling approach has prompted some concern that he cannot continue in that vein if he is to have a long career.

“When I’m out there I’m definitely not going to hold back or mind myself,” responded Ryan. “I don’t think that would be the right approach.

“We have a big emphasis in national camp and with our province on our quarry – making sure we build up our shoulders, ankles and knees, creating that buffer so that if you do get a niggle you have strength in that area. “I work pretty hard in managing those niggles, making sure my shoulder strength is where it needs to be. If I keep doing that it will work as a protector against injury.

“My body feels in a good place now. A few of the lads were a bit banged up after the weekend because it was a seriously combative game. The Italians are big, physical men. The lads that weren’t involved are definitely fresher coming in.”

That’s fresher mentally as well as physically – Ireland’s mini-camp in Belfast (inset) last week saw the players do a Black Cab tour and enjoy a few pints. Thatt was encouraged by management following another scratchy, scrappy performance.

“We were encouraged to have a few beers together, have a bit of craic,” Ryan said. “That’s important when things aren’t going quite right.

“When we’re not performing at the level we know we’re capable of, maybe we can get a bit over anxious and start forcing things a bit.”