[9] Continuing to move through the underage ranks, Ryan was a bronze medallist in 2003 in the Men's VIII at the Nations Cup regatta (now the World Under 23 Championships) in Belgrade, Serbia.

Ryan was selected in the Coxless Four alongside fellow Sydney University Boat Club member Francis Hegerty, as well as Victorians, James Marburg and Cameron McKenzie-McHarg.

Ryan was struck down by illness and had to be replaced for the race by fellow Sydney University Boat Club member Terrence Alfred and the crew achieved qualification for the Olympic Games.

[16] At the 2011 World Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia, Ryan placed fourth as a member of the Men's VIII which qualified the boat for the London Olympic Games.

[17] At the London Olympic Games, Ryan was in the bow seat of the Australian Men's VIII which placed 6th in a thrilling final where all boats finished within a length of each other.

[18] In 2013, Ryan took a break from international competition and during this period set a 24-hour tandem world record on the Concept 2 rowing machine (ergometer) with Sam Loch.