Soccernews

  WITH JOHNNY SEXTON ruled out of Ireland’s Six Nations trip to play Italy this weekend, all eyes were on James Ryan today as the 26-year-old stepped in to take the mid-week captain’s press conference at Abbotstown. “It’s obviously a huge honour, it’s very cool,” Ryan said. “It’s a great moment for me and my family to captain my country this week. It still hasn’t sunk in.” The second row, who hit the 50 cap milestone in the round two win against France, is no stranger to leading teams – Saturday’s fixture will see him captain Ireland for the seventh time. Still, he’ll be able to turn to those around him for support. Although Sexton won’t feature against the Italians as he continues his recovery from a leg injury, the out-half is still set to travel with the group to Rome. “I spoke to him earlier this week and got his advice on a couple of things,” Ryan continued.   BRYAN KEANE / INPHO  Ryan speaking to the media in Abbotstown today. “We’ve got a good group there, a core leadership grou