Ireland Catch Up: Zebo & Ryan

With 23 and 37 Irish caps respectively, Munster’s Simon Zebo and Donnacha Ryan are no longer the new kids on the international block with new talents like Stuart McCloskey, Josh van der Flier and Ultan Dillane now beginning to make inroads in the Irish camp.

In the build up to this Saturday’s 6 Nations clash against Italy at the Aviva Stadium – KO 1.30pm – the Munster duo discussed how emerging and established players are gelling well in the squad.
 
Zebo commented, “The intensity of the training and the mind-set of all the other senior players that losing isn’t a habit around this camp is well instilled in these guys. 
 
“We’re fully confident in what we can do in this squad and that’s compete with the top couple of teams in the world
 
“The young lads who have settled in have gotten used to that and know what’s expected of them when they go out on the rugby pitch.”
 
In overcoming a long-term foot injury in the latter end of last season, Ryan won inclusion in the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad and made his first 6 Nations start in three years against England in Twickenham almost a fortnight ago.
 
The Tipperary native reflected on his return to the starting XV and added how newer and senior players are collectively driving each other on.
 
“Any time you get to suit up for Ireland is a massive honour. These are occasions that are very rare in a player’s career and there is massive motivation every time you put on an Irish shirt and you want to do it justice. We have a very eager squad, mad to perform.
 
“Motivation is there every week, you just strive to be better. We have got fantastic coaches to drive us to learn from the mistakes we have made.
 
“You try to take a bigger step than you did the day before. Be better. That’s what makes you a successful player for your country.”

“I find it's great for me and Devin Toner that there's a fantastic level of competition there, Dave Foley, too – we can feed off that.”