John Ryan: No major regrets on missing Munster's title win

When Munster finally got their hands on a trophy to end their 12-year wait for silverware last May, John Ryan was watching on from the south east of Australia.

Having made his debut for Munster just a few months after their Celtic League win in 2011, the tighthead logged more than 200 appearances for the province across 12 years. But while he featured nine times in all competitions during last season he was on the other side of the world as a member of New Zealand's Chiefs when he watched Peter O'Mahony and Keith Earls lift the trophy in Cape Town.

The 35-year-old is back at Munster again this season for what is his third stint at the province.

Having left in the summer of 2022 for Wasps, he made a swift return to Munster when the English club folded. His second spell at Thomond Park was just three months long, having committed to playing for the Chiefs in Super Rugby alongside his future Munster teammate Alex Nankivell.

And while he wouldn't change anything about his season in Waikato, he admits there was a small piece of him that was regretting not being able to be part of the celebrations.

"There's a tiny bit of that, but only a small bit, but I wouldn’t change it," he said of missing out on the trophy presentation.

"I really wouldn’t [change it], because of the life experience. My family had a great time, being a part of the team, getting to know these world-class players was an experience I wouldn’t trade at all.

"But I was lucky enough to be able to watch that final in Canberra after our second last league game at three o’clock in the morning. Myself and Alex Nankivell watched it and there was only a feeling of pride. There was no 'ah typical..’ really. My regret was not being able to celebrate with the lads.

"There was a