He played youth cricket for Carlton Cricket Club, and for Leeds Loe Lumb and Yorkshire Colts at representative level, winning his Yorkshire cap at age 14.
Ripley was appointed vice-captain of Northamptonshire in 1999 and became captain in his final season, replacing Matthew Hayden.
Ripley served as the first team coach at Northamptonshire between 2012 and 2021 (replacing the late David Capel).
In 2013, Ripley led Northants to promotion from County Championship Division 2 and the Friends Life T20.
In December 2021, Ripley was appointed interim coach of Cricket Ireland on a 3 month contract