Live

Highlights on Off The Ball

10:00 AM-01:00 PM

Highlights on Off The Ball
Advertisement
Rugby

Simon Zebo cannot "fathom" Donnacha Ryan's Munster departure

Donnacha Ryan waved goodbye to Munster on Saturday.  The Ireland international played his la...



Simon Zebo cannot "fathom&...
Rugby

Simon Zebo cannot "fathom" Donnacha Ryan's Munster departure

Donnacha Ryan waved goodbye to Munster on Saturday. 

The Ireland international played his last game for his native province as Munster lost to Scarlets in the PRO12 Final. He is expected to move to France and play for Racing 92 next season. 

With 167 appearances for his native province, Ryan was the most experienced players in the Munster squad but was not offered a central contract by the IRFU.

One player who can not understand Ryan's impending departure is Simon Zebo. The duo have played together with provincial and international level, since Zebo made his Munster debut in 2010. 

 

Munster's Donnacha Ryan tackled by Aaron Shingler of Scarlets in Saturday's PRO12 Final. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

“We will miss Donnacha a lot", Zebo told the Limerick Leader. "He is very experienced, knowledgeable, puts his body on the line every time he goes out and wears a red jersey."

"It is mad for me to even fathom how he is being let leave, but that is just the way it is and we are going to have to try and manage without him."

"He is a great character off the pitch, but on the pitch he's incredible."

Zebo's comments show how well respected Ryan is, and how the Munster team seem unhappy with his departure in the coming weeks. The PRO12's loss will be the Top 14's gain.  

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Rugby