1051 James Ryan

After appearing in nine test matches by the end of the 2006 season and still only 23 years of age Otago lock James Ryan appeared to be a player of great potential and on the way to a significant All Black career. That could still be the case but in May 2008 there is doubt over his future involvement, some rumours being that an injury had not totally healed, others that he had become disenchanted with the game.

Even if he does not return as a player Ryan, known as ‘Chucky’, has a number of achievements to look back on. Born in Christchurch he was educated at Christ’s College, representing New Zealand Secondary Schools in 2000. The year before he had played for New Zealand Under 16.

Studying law at Otago University his national representation continued in 2001-02 at under 19 level in teams that won consecutive IRB world championship titles. His first class debut was in 2002 in a lone game for Otago and continued with eight matches in 2004 when the Rugby Almanack noted he looks a promising prospect. In the latter season he also appeared for New Zealand Universities in a 99-12 romp against Japan A.

Ryan made his Super 12 debut in 2005, starting in all 11 matches in a competitive Highlanders side. A start in an All Black trial in June was a prelude to being selected for the season’s first test, against Fiji. Whether the match should have been given test status could be debated, for New Zealand Maori, who were to play the Lions the following day, were given prior claim to eligible players. As the Maori side beat the Lions the decision was perhaps vindicated but the test selection was nevertheless devalued. The test match was a 91-0 no contest but Ryan was able to demonstrate his work rate and lineout ability.

He remained with the All Blacks for the mid season tests, being used as a substitute in the 3^rd test against the Lions and in three of the Tri-Nations tests. Good form in the latter stages of the NPC saw him selected for the end of season tour, with the Rugby Almanack commenting The emergence of James Ryan through Super 12 and into the All Blacks was not questioned anywhere in the country. In the Northern Hemisphere he started in the tests against Wales and Scotland.

Ryan’s 2006 season had a beginning and an end but no middle. He was injured eight games into the Super 14 and did not reappear until late September, playing the last three games of Otago’s Air New Zealand Cup campaign. That was enough for him to be taken on the four match end of season tour to Europe. With five locks in the party he was limited to starting against France and playing 19 minutes as a substitute against Wales.

Injury struck again during the Super 14 in 2007, ending his season and possibly his career. Unable to play in the World Cup he filled a commentator’s role at the tournament before dropping out of the rugby limelight, still only 25 years of age. His career to date includes nine tests, 27 Super 12/14 matches and 19 appearances for Otago.