Munster prop John Ryan has announced that he will retire at the end of the current season, marking the end of an impressive career that has spanned more than a decade in red.
Ryan, from Berrings in County Cork, has played 256 games for Munster to date and sits as the third-highest appearance maker in Munster Rugby history. Stephen Archer and Donnacha O’Callaghan, the two ahead of him.
Throughout an impressive 16-year professional career, the former Cork Constitution man has had a loan spell at London Irish as well as brief spells with Wasps and The Chiefs respectively before returning to his hometown province.
To go along with this, Ryan has also been capped 24 times for Ireland and made three appearances for the Barbarians, also, most notably, when he started against an All Blacks XV in 2022 whilst being coached by his former teammate and Munster legend Ronan O’Gara.
Announcing the news on his social media platforms, Ryan said:
“I have enjoyed every minute of the journey but it’s time to hang up the boots.”
“It has been a dream to represent Munster for so many years. It was also a massive honour to represent Ireland and to play at a World Cup.”
“It would never have been possible without Muskerry RFC and CBC Cork for growing my love for the game and UCC and Cork Con for helping me develop into a professional rugby player.”
“To all my coaches over the years, from underage to present, all the S&C’s and physios, thank you for helping me along the way. I would never have made it this far without your input.”
“To my parents for always supporting me – driving me to games, buses and trains at all times of the day and night. My rugby career would not have been possible without you. To my siblings for coming to Munster and Ireland games over the years and for the calls and messages of support whether we win, lose or draw.”
“To my team-mates, past and present, you have made the last 15/16 years so enjoyable. I have laughed myself sick in dressing rooms, team rooms and on the training field. The trips away and Irish camp are stand out memories.”
“To the fans who never stop believing, you have no idea how important it is to the players you support. I will always have fond memories in the Munster jersey but the away days were always made extra special by the red army!”
Throughout his time in red, he built his reputation as a dedicated and hardworking player admired by teammates and coaches alike for his longevity and professionalism. A major landmark of his career will undoubtedly be, being a part of the Munster side that ended the province’s long wait for silverware by winning the United Rugby Championship in 2023.
Reflecting on Ryan’s contribution to the province, head coach Clayton McMillan said:
“Along with being a brilliant player, John is an outstanding team man and character who has added a huge amount to every environment he has been in.”
“I first met him in 2023 when he flew across the world to join us at the Chiefs and the way he and his family settled in so quickly and became such an integral part of that group showed what special people they are.”
“John and his family can take great pride in all he has achieved on the field. From playing at the top level on the international stage to making so many appearances for his home club along with experiencing different environments in England and New Zealand.”
Echoing the sentiments of his head coach, Ryan concluded:
“I will forever be grateful to have worn the Munster jersey and I look forward to supporting from the stands in the years to come. I am excited for the next chapter and to spending a lot more time at home with my wife and kids.”
Ryan’s retirement signals the departure of another experienced figure from the Munster dressing room, as he and Niall Scannell will hang up their boots at the end of what has been a disappointing season for the province, marking the end of an era for one of the provinces most reliable front-row partnerships.