Inevitable reaction.
Munster and Ireland fans are beginning to come to terms with the news that Donnacha Ryan looks set to depart Munster at the end of the season for French side, Racing 92.
It’s safe to say that it hasn’t exactly been ideal preparation for the southern province’s crucial Champions Cup quarter-final against Toulouse on Saturday.
The news surrounding Ryan could prove to be an unwelcome distraction for the Munster squad.
It also doesn’t help that there continues to be speculation around Rassie Erasmus’ future after he has yet again been linked with a move back to his native South Africa.
Munster have had a great season and they also have the potential to achieve something special when you consider they are heavily involved in the race for PRO 12 and Champions Cup honours.
Ryan has been a cornerstone of this Munster team this season, with his all-action, aggressive performances contributing to the team’s on-field success.
Barring injury, Ryan will be starting for Munster at the weekend when they look to reach the semi-finals of European club rugby’s flagship competition for the first time since 2014.
Attention will be focussed on Ryan when he graces the Thomond Park pitch at the weekend and it’s safe to say fans have not reacted well to the fact that this could be one of the last times the Tipperary native dons the famous red jersey in Limerick.
Some are taking aim at Jamie Heaslip as he is the same age as Ryan and had his national contract extended last month.Â
Jamie Heaslip is only 4 days younger then Donnacha Ryan yet gets a new contract.. seems like Leinster bias yet again
— Seán Ryan (@Sean_Ryan_1995) March 27, 2017
The #IRFU gaving Jamie Heaslip a central contract and not one for Donnacha Ryan is gonna open up the old #Munster v #Leinster favouritism
— Seán Hanley (@Seanhanley94Me) March 27, 2017
So Donnacha Ryan is 'too old' for a central IRFU contract? Eh, he's just a few days older than Heaslip and in significantly better form…
— Mark Breen (@mark_breen) March 27, 2017
.@IrishRugby WTF? You gave a huge contract to Heaslip but won't keep @DonnachaRyan?? For shame! Fix this now!! @MRSC16 @MRSC16
— Dublin Living: not terrified of foreigners (@DublinLiving) March 27, 2017
Others are just devastated at the news.Â
So sad to see @DonnachaRyan leave @Munsterrugby huge loss #SUAF
— Niamh Barron-Marks (@Hyperbird78ie) March 27, 2017
@Munsterrugby rugby
What are IRFU thinking, Donnacha Ryan having season of a lifetime. The big man deserves better.
— Mick Dempsey (@dempsey_mick) March 27, 2017
This situation with Donnacha Ryan is absolutely shocking, Munster should be furious.
— Patricia (@_PatriciaV_) March 27, 2017
Donnacha Ryan to Racing Metro ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ #Munster
— 🦠Daniel O’Connor🦠(@Dannyoconnor888) March 27, 2017
Presuming that @IrishRugby and David Nucifora are going about fixing the Donnacha Ryan situation right about now. Ridiculous.
— EimzT (@EimzT) March 27, 2017
And finally, some people just want to wish him well.Â
https://twitter.com/shanesmith32/status/846345473803866112
https://twitter.com/stevemanning15/status/846307517810577409
