Ireland lock James Ryan has been rewarded for his sterling recent performances with a new three-year IRFU contract which runs up to the end of the 2022/23 season.
Ryan, who played all 80 minutes in the 19-12 win over Scotland on the opening weekend of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations, has earned 24 caps for his country to date since making his Test debut at the age of 20 in 2017.
In that match against the USA the Leinster player made an instant impact, scoring his first international try less than 60 seconds after coming onto the field.
The 23-year-old has been a fixture of the Irish second row ever since, making nine appearances in the Championship and forming part of Joe Schmidt’s Grand Slam-winning side in 2018.
Ryan, who captained the Ireland U20s to the final of the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championships, has also won the Champions Cup in 2018 and two Guinness PRO14 titles since making his senior Leinster debut against the Dragons in September 2017 – and his first central contract marks the next stage in his career.
“I am delighted to sign an IRFU contract,” Ryan said.
“A lot has been packed into the start of my professional career with both Ireland and Leinster and there has been some great success and a few disappointments but I am involved in two very exciting squads that want to be challenging for trophies.”
Ryan will earn his 25th cap after being named in Andy Farrell’s starting XV against Wales in Round 2 of the Championship at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
IRFU high performance director David Nucifora added: “James is still a young man but he has delivered consistent high level performances for both Ireland and Leinster.
“He is growing into a leadership role with the national team and has a big future for both Ireland and Leinster.”
