Ireland: James Ryan ‘excited about what the future holds’ after signing new contract
Ireland's James Ryan, drives forward during the the Autumn Nations series rugby union match between Ireland and New Zealand.
Ireland second-row James Ryan is the latest star to sign a contract extension with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Leinster Rugby.
The 28-year-old has been a key cog in the Ireland pack since making his Test debut before his first Leinster appearance back in 2017, coming off the bench against the United States.
The abrasive lock has inked a three-year extension, committing his future to Ireland and Leinster until the end of the 2027/28 season.
Ryan extends with Leinster and Ireland
A leader on the park, Ryan has been an influential figure for club and country, playing 67 times for Ireland and 89 times for Leinster.
Most recently, he started all three of Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series matches and has also taken on the crucial role as the team’s lineout leader.
The lock has enjoyed a trophy-laden career already winning three Six Nations titles with Ireland and four PRO12/PRO14 titles as well as a European Champions Cup crown with Leinster.
“I am delighted to sign a new contract with Leinster and commit my long-term future to the IRFU,” Ryan said in a statement after signing a new deal until July 2028.
“Playing in ambitious set-ups is a big driver for me personally and I know how committed everyone in Irish Rugby is to work hard and achieve success. It is a privilege to play for my home province and my country and, with the talent coming through the Academy systems, I am excited about what the future holds in blue and green.”
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Ryan’s extension follows that of Leinster and Ireland props Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong who inked two-year extensions while Connacht centre Bundee Aki signed a one-year deal.
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added: “James has been a mainstay of the Leinster and Ireland engine rooms over the last number of seasons, and it is a huge boost for both teams that he will continue his rugby career in Ireland.
“James has displayed consistency and talent for many years which, allied to his leadership skills, means that Ireland has successfully retained another important player within our system. We believe that James’ best years are ahead of him and look forward to watching him progress in the seasons to come.”
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