Ryan started his underage rugby at Woodleigh Park for Highfield playing in the second row and won an All-Ireland U-16 title.
With time he was easily spotted and recruited by Munster Rugby and brought into their academy and also moved on to play with University College Cork RFC and then played in the AIL league with Cork Constitution,[2] with whom he won the title in 2008.
[4][5] The incoming Toulon coach, Philippe Saint-Andre, was sufficiently impressed with Ryan's first half performance against the All Blacks at Thomond Park in November 2008 to recruit him.
[9] He essentially swapped places with All Black legend Carl Hayman who had earlier moved from Newcastle to Toulon.
[10] Ryan Signed for Rugby Club I Cavalieri Prato from Newcastle Falcons although it is not clear when this occurred.