Since the resumption of professional rugby on these shores in mid-August, Leinster and Ireland’s second tier James Ryan have been trying their best to stay away from the news cycle around Kovid-19.

Despite the recommendation of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPET), the government decided to move Ireland to the Fifth Level with Covid Plan – which would have eliminated sports across the country across the country – instead, with the remaining 24 teams in Dublin.

As Ryan (grandson of the former Fianna F മന്ത്രിil minister of the same name) focuses on these latest developments, he tries to avoid getting involved with something beyond his control.

“It simply came to our notice then [Monday] Even. This is a great opportunity to train and attend to what we have on hand. With this in mind, it is important to focus on our preparations for the days and weeks ahead. Sometimes it’s difficult, but like I said, I think we need to do it, ”Ryan told reporters yesterday.

“Checking the news every night may not be healthy, can it? For the first few months I made a habit of myself, like most people, checking cases. How many cases, how many deaths. I think you can engage in an unhealthy habit there.

“I think it’s important to take some time to get out of it, while at the same time playing your own role. Every week we are clearly tested, which is important. In addition, we must take responsibility for keeping our personal bubbles and contacts small and make the right choices. Because it is so widespread. ”

Leinster, who have played all six of their lockdown games to date at Aviva Stadium or RDS, will end their eight-month wait for a foreign match when they face Bennett in the second round of the new PRO14 season at Treviso. Saturday evening [kick-off 6.15pm, Irish time].

A league clash with the Ospreys at The Gnoll on 21 February was Leo Cullen’s last trip outside of Dublin, and although it’s still too long to make his last appearance in Ryan Province, he’s looking forward to the trip to northern Italy.

“My last away game for Leinster was in Traviso [a Champions Cup pool stage victory on January 18]. Even boarding a plane again can feel weird. I have been enjoying the last few weeks, so everything is fine. It’s exciting to go and play again. ”

In addition to echoing Ryan’s sentiment regarding the imposition of restrictions – he adopts the repeated mantra of ‘control what can be controlled’ – Leinster coach Philippe Contepomi has offered an update on Ireland captain Jonathan Sexton’s fitness.

The veteran fly-half was forced into a bonus point victory over the Dragons in the 24th minute last Friday night, and the hamstring was injured, missing the following weekend. Contepomic is confident that Sexton will be able to lead Ireland to the final rounds of the Late Six Nations Championship later this month, without giving an exact date for his return to action.

“It’s hard, because I don’t want to be given a timetable [people will] Say, ‘Philip says this.’ But I think he’s okay because he’s injured. It turned him into a precaution rather than a serious injury that you could tell he could be out in a week or two or three or four weeks. I think he will be fine. Of course, ”Contepomi said.

“In his case, I’m a normal healer, a person he’s not got, a tree to touch, a lot of bad injuries in his career. He is a man who can tell you he is strong, and he is perfectly suited for international competitions. ”