Nearly 13 years after making his Munster debut, Donnacha Ryan is set to leave the province at the end of the season. Ryan will reportedly make a move to the Top 14 where he will join up with former Munster and Ireland teammate Ronan O'Gara at Racing 92.
The Irish Independent reported this week that Munster were unhappy with the IRFU decision not to award Ryan a central contract. Ryan will turn 34 in December and his age was apparently the main factor in the IRFU's decision.
Speaking to RTE Sport, former Ireland international Tony Ward highlighted the inconsistency in the IRFU's stance. Jamie Heaslip penned a new central contract last month. The Leinster number eight is younger than Ryan by just four days.
The inconsistency is where I have the issue given that there are only four days between himself and Jamie. I have no problem with Jamie getting a contract but why is it one rule for Jamie and one for Donnacha? That's what I don't get and that's what's unfair.
I think it sends out a very unfair message that it's okay for one player to get an extended contract, but not for another. It's nothing to do with Jamie Heaslip on a personal level, but I just think it's unfair on Donnacha Ryan.
It's not as if we have abundance of second rows around at the moment.
Ward added that keeping Ryan in Ireland should have been an easy decision for the IRFU.
It was a no-brainer for the IRFU to keep him. I know the IRFU will say they have to balance their books, but it's sad that a great talent is been shown the door.
Picture credit: Sportsfile
