Born and raised in Kildare, Ireland, Ryan began playing rugby at the age of six after being introduced to the sport by his father. He developed through Newbridge College and progressed into the Leinster youth system, representing the province at age-grade levels.
He built his professional career in England, playing with Northampton Saints and gaining experience through loan spells with Coventry and Bedford Blues. He later competed with Cornish Pirates and Ampthill before returning to Coventry, developing as a physical and consistent flanker.
He began his Major League Rugby career with the San Diego Legion and continued to grow into a larger role across two seasons. He joined the Seattle Seawolves for the 2026 season, bringing international experience after earning caps with the USA Eagles.
Ryan works in software sales and comes from a family with a strong sporting background. Outside of rugby, he enjoys golf, pickleball, gaming, coffee, and surfing.