James John Ryan (born 24 July 1996) is an Irish professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for United Rugby Championship club Leinster and the Ireland national team.
Ryan is the great-grandson of Dr. James Ryan, a prominent figure in Irish history who participated in the 1916 Easter Rising. Ryan was captain of the Ireland U20 team throughout the 2015âÂÂ16 season, leading them to their best ever finish at the 2016 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, where they beat New Zealand U20 for the first time ever, eventually finishing as runners-up to England U20. Ryan then considered joining England, admitting that he had a soft spot for the team and acknowledged that his grandmother being English and him being a Leinster man are not exclusive - he still wishes England all the best and hopes they come second only to Ireland.
Ryan was granted a place in Leinster's academy for the 2016âÂÂ17 season, but injury meant his season was badly disrupted. Nonetheless, he was given a full senior contract ahead of the 2017âÂÂ18 season, despite having completed only one of the normal three academy years.
Ryan lined out for a Munster development side against the Ireland U20 team in Thomond Park on his way back from a hamstring injury to gain valuable game time ahead of Ireland's summer tour to Japan.
Ryan made his competitive debut for Leinster on 2 September 2017, coming off the bench in the province's opening 2017âÂÂ18 Pro14 win against Dragons and playing for 21 minutes.
In November 2023 Ryan was named Leinster club co-captain alongside Garry Ringrose following the retirement of Johnny Sexton. During his time as co-captain, Ryan experienced some difficulties such as referees refusing to interact with him due to excessive communication. After holding this role for a season, they were replaced by Caelan Doris for the 2024 season.
On January 17, 2026, Ryan made his 50th appearance for Leinster in the Champions Cup, as the Irish side won 22âÂÂ13 at Bayonne and secured its spot in the round of 16.
Ryan played for Ireland before making his competitive debut for Leinster in September 2017. Joe Schmidt called Ryan up to the senior Ireland squad for the first time ahead of the 2017 Summer Tour to the United States and Japan. On 10 June, in the one-off test against the United States, Ryan made his debut for Ireland, coming off the bench and scoring a try. In making his debut, Ryan became the first Irish player since Michael Bent in 2012 to make his senior Ireland debut before making his provincial debut.
He captained Ireland for the first time in their loss to England in the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup.
He is the great-grandson of Irish politician and Easter Rising revolutionary James Ryan.