It’s a huge honour' – James Ryan to captain Ireland against Italy

 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 group that has been there for the last couple of years. I have big shoes to fill. He will travelling over with us so this weekend so it’s great to have him around. I’ll be able to lean on guys like Garry (Ringrose) and Peter O’Mahony as well.

“Probably the leading by actions is the big one, the way he (Sexton) sets the standards in games but also every day, how competitive he is on the training pitch and the difference he makes when he’s training and when he’s not. I’m probably looking at his competitive instincts and the way he leads with his actions would be the main thing.

The first time I captained Ireland against England, the first thing Faz told me was to focus on myself and not let it be a weight on my shoulders, to delegate if I needed and focus on my own game.

“So I don’t know if it’s that, but I haven’t done it (captained Ireland) in a while now so for me it’s just reinforcing that understanding this week that just like everybody else, I’ve got to get my stuff right.”

Even before Sexton was ruled out of Saturday’s fixture, Ryan has been stepping up and showing leadership recently.