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James Ryan has said overcoming his concussion woes has 'shaped him as a player'

IRELAND AND LEINSTER LOCK JAMES RYAN has claimed that he is in a better place after overcoming a number of concussion injuries over the years.

The stand-in Ireland captain was forced to leave Ireland's victory over England in Twickenham last season after a horrifying head collision with Charlie Ewel.

He sufffered two head injuries in the 2021 Six Nations and as a result missed selection for Warren Gatland's Lions visit to South Africa that same year.

This year Ryan has been in fine form for club and country. He's been ever-present in the wins over Wales, France, and Italy in the Six Nations.

Ryan and co head to Murrayfield in Edinburgh this coming Sunday to face a noticeably confident Scotland side.

Speaking to the media this week, the Ireland second rower admitted that he was feeling good about his current form in an Irish jersey.

Ryan has two tries for his country this year and scored in the last round against Italy.

James Ryan to see concussion specialist as part of World Rugby protocols https://t.co/Li0NUbX42F pic.twitter.com/HIq35DYjAO

— Independent Sport (@IndoSport) November 29, 2021

Yeah, I’m feeling good about it," said the Leinster man.

"The fellas are slagging me now that I am one of the top try-scorers.

"That's the way it goes, you don't score for a long time, and you come up with a couple.

"Yeah, feeling good, really enjoying my rugby at the moment, been injury free, thank God.

"I feel like my confidence and stuff has grown off the back of that. I am enjoying my game at the moment.

"It was difficult at times.

Ryan also went onto say that the likes of his family, friends, Leinster staff members Leo Cullen, Stuart Lancaster, Ciaran Cosgrove and Ireland's head coach Andy Farrell were a huge help in getting over his concussion problems

"But I would say there was people like Ciaran Cosgrove [team doctor] who were important at getting the balance to the whole situation and helping getting me through it.

"Obviously Stuart Lancaster, as well, Andy Farrell, Leo Cullen.

"And then, obviously, my friends and my family, my girlfriend, all that. But that's what sports careers are all about, I'm no different.

"You go through ups and downs and stuff like that, and it is kind of what shapes you as a player.

"I'm glad to be on an injury-free run and enjoying my rugby.

"The stuff I had mostly was concussion so that was the most worrying and frustrating because I copped a few in a short space of time.

"So that was the main issue. That was the one that took the longest to get over."

Ireland's game against Scotland starts at 3pm this Sunday.

You can watch it live on RTE TWO.

Ireland's team will be announced on Friday afternoon.