James Ryan (rugby union, born 1996)


James Ryan is an Irish rugby union player who plays as a lock for Irish Pro14 and European Rugby Champions Cup side Leinster.

Youth rugby

Ryan was captain of the Ireland U20 team throughout the 2015–16 season, leading them to their best ever finish at the 2016 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, where they beat New Zealand U20 for the first time ever, eventually finishing as runners-up to England U20.

Professional career

Ryan was granted a place in Leinster's academy for the 2016–17 season, but injury meant his season was badly disrupted. Nonetheless, he was given a full senior contract ahead of the 2017–18 season, despite having completed only one of the normal three academy years.
Joe Schmidt called Ryan up to the senior Ireland squad for the first time ahead of the 2017 Summer Tour to the United States and Japan. On 10 June, in the one-off test against the United States, Ryan made his debut for Ireland, coming off the bench and scoring a try. In making his debut, Ryan became the first Irish player since Michael Bent in 2012 to make his senior Ireland debut before making his provincial debut.
Ryan made his competitive debut for Leinster on 2 September 2017, coming off the bench in the provinces opening 2017–18 Pro14 win against Dragons and playing for 21 minutes.

Honours

Leinster