Donnacha Ryan was not afraid to admit that it had been "weird" lining out against Munster for this afternoon's Champions Cup tie.
The Racing man was in sensational form as the Parisian side held out for a narrow 4-point win over his old team.
While Munster still top the group going into the final round of pool fixtures, Ryan's performance highlighted something of what Irish rugby misses in his not being around any longer.
Donnacha Ryan was outstanding today, made the game-winning play. Such a shame he won't be considered for the Six Nations
— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) January 14, 2018
Getting a reminder of Donnacha Ryan’s quality here. He’s been Racing’s best player, for me. Still had a lot to offer to Munster and Irish rugby.
— Cian Tracey (@CianTracey1) January 14, 2018
No shame in losing away in Paris but that was there for Munster. Donnacha Ryan MotM
— Ronan Murphy (@Ro_Murph) January 14, 2018
Donnacha Ryan absolutely huge for @racing92 against his old team @Munsterrugby
— Jim Hamilton (@jimhamilton4) January 14, 2018
Having spent thirteen years with Munster and clocked up 47 Irish appearances, Ryan found facing off against his former teammates rather strange at first:
It was a bit weird alright. You kind of get to understand what some of the guys do on the other side of the ruck anyway; few things I wouldn't have known before.
I'm sure no TV cameras will pick it up, ah no I'm only joking. It was really good, good craic ... very enjoyable.
In great mood after Racing's win, Ryan, a European Cup winner with Munster in 2008, was looking forward to the prospect of both sides going through.
Insistent that everyone will be "glued" to the next round of final games, Ryan was planning to enjoy himself tonight with his old team mates all the same.
Ah ya we'll have a few cans of Dutch Gold anyway and we'll take it from there.
While it is great to see the former Munster man enjoying himself and playing well for Racing, it is notable that he will shortly be joined by one of Munster's current leading lights; Simon Zebo.
In a game that Munster will be disappointed to have lost, the Racing-bound Zebo was electric today at times, his flick-pass the pick of his efforts.
You can watch all of Ryan's interview below.
