STU GIVES US LICENCE TO THRILL

ROOKIE Leinster lock James Ryan reckons former England boss Stuart Lancaster can push the Irish giants back to the glory days of Brian O’Driscoll.

Ryan was a spectator at all three of Leinster’s Champions Cup wins when Dricco ruled the roost but will be in the thick of it in today’s semi-final against Scarlets in Dublin.

Lancaster has been reborn in Ireland after the shame of England’s early exit from the 2015 World Cup and is worshipped by the squad. And Ryan insists the Cumbrian (right) has given Leinster the licence to thrill that could propel them into next month’s final.

Ryan said: “He wants us to show people what we can do and what we’ve got.

“He encourages us to back ourselves and, when it’s on, to have a go. He’s had a big influence on the squad.”

Three-time winners Leinster are chock-full of Grand Slam champs but have flopped in the last two weeks in the PRO14.

“We have had two disappointing results against Ospreys and Benetton,” said Ryan.

“That gave us a bit of a reality check.”