At an online ceremony yesterday, Gary Ringrose became the third Leinster player in three years to be chosen as the rugby writers player of the year. He follows his team mates Johnny Sexton (2018) and James Ryan (2019).
"It feels a little bit weird, because its probably for rugby that was played; what feels like a while ago, as a consequence of covid and all, but its still nice all the same, so thank you very much"
Ringrose is currently recovering from an injury setback which has seen him break his jaw twice since last October. He first did the damage in the postponed Six Nations clash with Italy, only to return for Leinster Heineken Champions Cup clash with Northampton - a game where he would damage the other side of his jaw on his first outing since recovering from the first incident.
"I'm sure there's a technical term for it, but I actually hit the side of the previous fracture and because there's screws and a plate in there, they did their job and held up strongly, but the other side of the jaw cracked which apparently isn't uncommon to get a knock and one side and whatever way the force transfers through the jaw bone, that the other side can crack"
With an interpro fixture against the old enemy Munster on the horizon, Ringrose is acutely aware of the fact that the Ireland management team will be watching the game with the upcoming Six Nations in mind.
"Probably from Andy Farrell and the coaches perspective, this is probably a bit of a trial game for them - but from a players perspective you're aware of that, but not really letting too much of that take too much of your focus of concentration away from delivering and doing your job for your province. Ultimately that will get the best performance out of us collectively and individually"
The Irish star centre knows that when Leinster travel to Limerick to play Munster, their days labour is never made easy by the men in red.
"Its a battle alright. Its two clubs that are proud of what's gone before and with close ties to the community and all that. Both teams want to win. They've (Munster) gone from strength to strength and the evidence is in their results. Going down to Thomond Park - I've been there on some good days for Leinster and also some bad days as well. Its a tough place to go"
