It's been a long goodbye for Donnacha Ryan. Ever since the rumours broke that he may move from Munster in March, we've had players and pundits alike speaking out against the move.
Simon Zebo is the latest addition to that list. The winger has been playing alongside Ryan for the last seven years, during which they've struck up a great friendship.
Ryan, who has made 167 appearances for the province, is not having his contract renewed by the IRFU. And the Corkman has labelled the situation as 'mad' in an interview with the Limerick Leader.
He is very experienced, knowledgeable, puts his body on the line every time he goes out and wears a red jersey.
Which is a fair point to make. There have been stories aplenty from past teammates of Ryan, with Alan Quinlan among those to praise his leadership. Ryan's passion is unquestionable: just look at his reaction to the Toulouse victory earlier this season.
His final game in Munster red will be one to forget though. Munster were obliterated by Scarlets last weekend in the Pro12 Final. Six tries were coughed up, but Zebo addressed the situation, claiming that it won't worry Rassie Erasmus's men:
I think, to be honest, it was just the occasion. They are not a better team than us and we are not a better team than them, but it just looked like they were a way better team today. That is not the case.
Ryan will start next season in the French capital, having secured a move to Racing 92.
