Simon Zebo and Alan Quinlan addresses Donnacha Ryan exit.

Last Saturday evening at the Aviva, Donnacha Ryan donned the Munster jersey for the final time. Having soldiered with the province through thick and thin over the last 13 season, there was shock and dismay amongst Munster fans that Ryan was set to leave for Racing 92.

It was doubling frustrating as Ryan was in the midst of his best season in a red jersey and was one of the most influential players in the Munster pack. Ryan, who had made 167 appearances for the province would not have his contract renewed by the IRFU, leaving the door open for Racing to make an offer.

Ryan was a leader and his dedication earned him the respect of peers not only at Munster but further afield too.  Simon Zebo was also quick to lament the loss of Ryan.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Zebo said of the situation,

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.