James Ryan 'excited' to play alongside RG Snyman

The greatest occasions demand the greatest stage and James Ryan knows that it doesn’t get much bigger than Leinster vs Munster at Croke Park.

“It’s got to be right up there now in terms of the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of,” Ryan says. “I can’t think of a bigger one off the top of my head, if it’s at capacity. There’s not many other stadiums as big as that.

“It’s unbelievable. It just shows you where the game is at the moment that you can get, hopefully, a sell-out for a game like this in Croke Park. It’s amazing.

“We’re definitely one of the best-supported clubs in Europe, probably the world as well. We do get amazing support and I just hope that this season we can reward our fanbase with some real success. We absolutely feel it and it’s a big part of what drives us as a club.”

Not that Saturday’s game needs any extra spice but RG Snyman’s arrival from Munster over the summer adds another wrinkle to the rivalry.

“I’m really looking forward to playing with him. Obviously, I haven’t played with him yet but I’ve played against him a few times,” Ryan says of his new teammate.

“In terms of playing with him, I’m really excited. He’s not much older than me but he’s hugely experienced. He’s won two World Cups with South Africa. So to be able to have that nous in a Leinster pack is great. So I’m really excited.”

The transition from foe to friend can be odd, Ryan admits, but the South African is already making his presence felt since moving up the M7 to Dublin. Snyman put in his first shift in blue against Benetton on Saturday and is now ready to impress in front of a home crowd.

“He’s settled in really well,” Ryan says. “He’s a lovely fella. He’s pretty laid back. I think he’ll be obviously a great addition on the pitch, but also off the pitch as well. I think already he’s been a good character around the place.

“It’s funny, once someone puts on a Leinster shirt, it doesn’t feel as weird. They’re part of the team, then. It was a little bit strange but at this point he’s settling really well. I’m looking forward to packing in alongside him.”