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'Time to hang up the boots' - Munster prop John Ryan to retire

7 December 2024; John Ryan of Munster during the Champions Cup Round 1 match between Munster and Stade Francais Paris at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Munster prop John Ryan will retire at the end of the season

Munster prop John Ryan has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season, after a 16-year professional career.

The 37-year-old has played 256 times for Munster across three different spells at the province, leaving him third in their all-time appearance list, behind Stephen Archer and Donncha O'Callaghan.

Ryan also won 25 caps for Ireland between 2016 and 2021, winning a Six Nations Grand Slam and a Test series in Australia in 2018, while he also featured at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

"I have enjoyed every minute of the journey but it’s time to hang up the boots," Ryan said.

"It has been a dream to represent Munster for so many years. It was also a massive honour to represent Ireland and to play at a World Cup.

"I will forever be grateful to have worn the Munster jersey and I look forward to supporting from the stands in the years to come.

"I am excited for the next chapter and to spending a lot more time at home with my wife and kids."

The Corkman made his Munster debut against Cardiff in 2011 and played 197 times for the province in his first spell before joining Wasps in 2022, but that move was cut short after just four games when the Premiership side went out of business due to financial issues.

A short-term return to Munster followed before joining the Chiefs in January 2023, reaching a Super Rugby final with the New Zealand side.

Ryan (r) won the last of his 25 Ireland caps against Japan in 2021

Ryan signed up for his third Munster stint that summer, making 51 appearances across the last three seasons.

"Along with being a brilliant player, John is an outstanding team man and character who has added a huge amount to every environment he has been in," head coach Clayton McMillan said.

"I first met him in 2023 when he flew across the world to join us at the Chiefs and the way he and his family settled in so quickly and became such an integral part of that group showed what special people they are.

"John and his family can take great pride in all he has achieved on the field. From playing at the top level on the international stage to making so many appearances for his home club along with experiencing different environments in England and New Zealand.

"He’s had a unique journey but it’s not over yet and he will continue to make a massive contribution."

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