James Ryan realizes he has ‘big shoes to fill’ after being named Ireland captain

James Ryan He admits he has “big shoes to fill” as he prepares to become Grand Slam chasing captain Ireland against Italy instead of injured johnny sexton.

Sexton’s absence from Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash Rome Ryan’s nomination as captain was confirmed Wednesday afternoon.

The 26-year-old will lead his country for the first time since his championship defeat last year. France In Paris and for the seventh time in total.

Sexton will travel to the Stadio Olimpico with the team after suffering a groin problem in their second-round win against Les Bleus, and Ryan plans to rely on his influential Leinster teammate for guidance.

“Obviously it’s a great honor, it’s so cool, it’s a great moment for me and my family,” Ryan said as he took over the captaincy.

“We have a core leadership group that has been there for the past few years and works well together.

“But obviously he (Sexton) has big shoes to fill. He’ll be traveling with us this weekend so it’ll be great to have around.

“I spoke to him earlier this week and took his advice on a few things. It’s great that he’s traveling, I’m sure we’ll catch up there.”

After a 34-10 victory over Wales, Ireland defeated the French 32-19 to advance to pole position for the championship.

Sexton limped to the ground early in the second half of Fabien Galthie’s victory over their reigning champion, after a fierce collision with guest prop Uini Atonio.

Ryan believes Andy Farrell’s team is now better equipped to deal with the loss of star names due to a “no excuses mentality”.

“It’s one of the things Phase (Farrell) is great at, it’s not 15 or 23, it’s all about the group, so I think squad depth is something that has come out over the last few years,” Ryan said. won the 50th Test cap last time.

“Tadhg Furlong is an example, a great player for us who was injured but how well Finlay Bealham did. He is just one example.

“There is a no excuses mentality in the group if an injury happens or someone leaves late.

“Everybody has to be ready to play and fill that void, so that’s the mentality of the team right now.”