James Ryan ‘touch and go’ in fitness battle for Leinster’s Champions Cup semi-final in Croke Park
Leinster's James Ryan. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Leinster co-captain James Ryan has admitted he remains “touch-and-go” in his bid to prove his fitness in time for his side’s Champions Cup semi-final clash with Northampton at Croke Park on May 4.
Ryan is still recovering from the ruptured bicep that he suffered during Ireland’s Six Nations campaign, but the 27-year-old remains on track to feature before the end of the season.
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 19th April
The influential second-row’s comeback date will be guided by medical advice, but he hasn’t yet ruled out the possibility of being fit to take on the Saints.
“To be honest, it’s one of those where it’s touch and go,” Ryan told the Irish Independent in an exclusive interview. “Those choices are often made by the doc and the physios because they have always got your best interests at heart – for yourself and the team.
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“You’re not going to risk yourself in any game if you know that you’re not fully right because you are just going to compromise your own performance and the team’s.
“I’m experienced enough now to know when I can push it versus when I might need to hold back a bit. There is still a lot of rugby to be played this season.
“I feel like I am in good shape because I am able to keep running and do a fair bit of strength training,” Ryan added. “I’m not too far away, I’m hoping to get back before the end of the season. That’s pretty realistic. Hopefully I’ll be back before the end of the season, all going well, if we keep winning.”
Meanwhile, Leinster confirmed they will play the majority of their home games next season at the Aviva Stadium while the RDS is being redeveloped, while Croke Park will remain available to the province for bigger games.
