Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ryan can be leader for Farrell
ANDY FARRELL admits James Ryan deserves to be mentioned among the favourites for the Ireland captaincy.
Ryan, 23, is likely to miss out this time around to one of the two previous vicecaptains at the end of the Joe Schmidt’s reign – Johnny Sexton or Peter O’Mahony.
New Ireland supremo Farrell admitted this week that he has spoken to Sexton over his future plans and that the 34-year-old is on board with what will change.
But Ryan, who is only 23, is seen as a future Ireland captain and was brought into the Test leadership group last summer.
“We’ll see,” said Farrell. “He’ll be obviously in discussions. I hear his name all the time, especially from your guys’ point of view, and rightly so.
“He’s a great player, there’s still plenty more in James for him to keep pushing forward with his own game.
“He was brand new to our leadership group, he was trying to find his feet within that. I suppose he’s learned a lot through that process in the World Cup.
“We’ll see how things progress but the main thing for James is that he keeps progressing himself.”
Life has already changed for Farrell since stepping into the hot-seat – he is sleeping less than he used to as Ireland’s defence coach.
“There’s so many people counting on you to give them direction, I’m enjoying it though.” he said.
“I’m busy. I’m sleeping less, but in a good way. I’m bouncing out of bed because I know what I’ve got to tackle that day – and that’s exciting for me.”