James Ryan aware he has ‘big shoes to fill’ after being named Ireland captain

James Ryan admits he has “big shoes to fill” as he prepares to captain Grand Slam-chasing Ireland against Italy in place of the injured Johnny Sexton.

Sexton’s absence for Saturday’s Six Nations clash in Rome was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon when Ryan was named skipper.

The 26-year-old will lead his country for the first time since last year’s championship defeat to France in Paris and on a seventh occasion overall.

James Ryan will lead us in Rome on Saturday!