Nienaber buoyant about Ryan's contract extension

NEWS: The news that James Ryan signed a new three-year IRFU deal to remain at Leinster has pleased coach Jacques Nienaber.

Ryan will stay at Leinster until 2028 and Nienaber believes it is “excellent” and a positive reflection on the province’s setup.

The 28-year-old lock has impressive credentials, having won three Six Nations titles with Ireland, including a Grand Slam, in his 67-cap career to date.

In his 89 appearances with Leinster, he also won four Pro12/Pro14 titles and a European Champions Cup crown.

“Yes brilliant, and everybody who has signed on,” Nienaber told The Irish Times, a day after contract extensions for Andrew Porter and Tadgh Furlong were also confirmed.

“I think it’s good for us and Ireland, and for us the proud thing, and I don’t know if we can claim it, is that whenever a player signs a contract extension it means that they are not just comfortable but they are happy with what they are getting at the club.”

By this, he meant Leinster’s “rugby programme”, a belief “that their game will progress and they will become better rugby players”, that their strength and conditioning programme will improve them physically, “and also they’re comfortable with their welfare programme so that we look after them and we manage them well in conjunction with Ireland”.

Nienaber also acknowledged that money and looking after one’s family will always be primary considerations.