NSW Waratahs prop, Paddy Ryan re-signs for a further two seasons

Jun 15 • General News, Super Rugby • 1430 Views • Comments Off on NSW Waratahs prop, Paddy Ryan re-signs for a further two seasons

NSW Waratahs prop, Paddy Ryan re-signs for a further two seasons ahead of biggest games of the season

The NSW Waratahs have received more welcome re-signing news with 27-year-old prop, Paddy Ryan committing to the Club for a further two years until the end of 2018.

The announcement is a timely boost for the Waratahs as they prepare for the business end of Super Rugby, including their last blockbuster home match in the regular season against the Hurricanes on Saturday 9 July.

Ryan is the sixth player to decide to extend their time with the Waratahs, following the recent announcements of Sekope Kepu and Taqele Naiyarvoro rejoining the squad, and the re-signing of local talent, Jed Holloway, Andrew Kellaway, Matt Sandell.

Born and bred in NSW, the front rower has been a proud member of the Club since his professional rugby debut in 2011, accumulating 75 caps so far for his home state.

NSW Waratahs Assistant Coach, Cam Blades said he was pleased to see Ryan re-commit to the team.

“Paddy continues to make a strong contribution to the team, which is a reflection of his ability to prepare himself well both physically and mentally,” Blades said.

“He made a good transition from tight-head to loosehead, and has adapted well to becoming a regular starter this season.

“His dedication to improving his game is an indication of his professionalism. Together with the likes of Sekope Kepu, he will continue to be a positive mentor to the many of the young Waratah front rowers.”

A product of the NSW rugby pathways, Ryan remains a key and reliable member of the squad, whether in the run-on side or off the bench.

Ryan grew up in Tamworth where he played his junior rugby for the local Pirates Club before moving to Sydney. He was educated at the popular NSW Rugby nursery of St Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill and from there was selected in the Australian Schoolboys squad in 2006.

His rugby career was put on hold for his first year out of school, when he travelled to Ireland. Upon his return to Australia he was fast-tracked into the Junior Waratahs development system.

His entry into the Sydney Rugby Union competition also proved successful, playing key roles in winning NSW Premierships in both the Colts competition and at senior level with the Sydney University Club.

Off the field, Paddy has a keen interest in business and finance with a Bachelor of Business.

He continues to demonstrate a passionate commitment to supporting community and mental health awareness initiatives and organisations. His dedication to such areas was recognised as the winner of the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) Award for Community Service in 2015.

Super Rugby returns for the NSW Waratahs in round 15 on Saturday 2^nd July in Japan for their first match against the Sunwolves. They return for their last home match on Saturday 9^th July against the Hurricanes at Allianz Stadium – tickets to the match are available now at www.waratahs.com.au/tickets.