Leinster Rugby second row Charlie Ryan has been forced to retire from the game with immediate effect due to a long-standing and recurring knee injury.
The 23-year-old had a glittering age grade career in his school Blackrock College, with the Ireland U-20s and indeed captained Leinster Rugby ‘A’ to their 2019, Celtic Cup Final win over Ulster ‘A’.
Ryan was also captain of the Grand Slam winning Ireland U-20s side of 2019, when David Hawkshaw was ruled through injury, and he carried that honour with him through to the U-20s World Cup that summer.
Speaking to leinsterrugby.ie, Ryan explained the difficulty of the decision but also that no stone had been left unturned in trying to find a way back.
“I finish my career deeply grateful to Leinster Rugby. Firstly, to Leo and the coaching staff for showing belief in me as a person and player despite my injury struggle. The signing of a senior contract with my boyhood club was one of my proudest moments, there’s nothing more the club could have done for me with respect to this injury.
“I leave the club at peace mentally due to the tireless work of the medical team. Every possible avenue to success was explored. “
Ryan also acknowledged the significant impact his former coaches had on his playing career, while also looking back fondly on the times he did have on a rugby field.
“There are a countless number of coaches and mentors I will thank personally over the coming days for the help I received to get here.
“I loved playing the game, I’m so incredibly lucky to have got the opportunity to play it, I don’t regret one second of the journey. I have made connections with some incredible people that will last a lifetime. I could not have got to this point without the endless support from my family and friends. I am incredibly lucky to have had them there to help me. I wouldn’t have got anywhere near where I am now if it was not for their selfless support of me in my pursuit of this dream.”
Regarding his next steps, Ryan completed a Business & Legal Studies degree in UCD last October and is now working with the family business, JP Ryan, down in the Dublin Docklands.
Ryan was awarded a senior contract by Leo Cullen ahead of the 2022/23 season and last played for Leinster Rugby ‘A’ in 2020 against Munster. He also lined out for UCD RFC in the Energia All-Ireland League.
Leinster Rugby head coach, Leo Cullen, paid tribute to the young lock and said, “Charlie has always been a player who has shown great leadership and that was clearly displayed when he led the Ireland U-20s to Grand Slam success back in 2019.
“Unfortunately, Charlie has had to battle ongoing knee issues in the time since then. Everyone who has worked with him over the last number of seasons are really saddened to hear that he is being forced to retire now from the game at such a young age.
“Having had the pleasure of working with Charlie over recent seasons I am confident that Charlie will be a success with whatever he decides to do next as he is incredibly diligent, is able to build strong connections with people and is a great teammate to be around.
“I think I can speak on behalf of everyone here at Leinster Rugby in wishing Charlie every success for what he turns his attention to next.”
Everyone in Leinster Rugby wishes Charlie the very best of luck with his future.
Charlie Ryan – Full Statement
“I finish my career deeply grateful to Leinster Rugby. Firstly, to Leo and the coaching staff for showing belief in me as a person and player despite my injury struggle. The signing of a senior contract with my boyhood club was one of my proudest moments, there’s nothing more the club could have done for me with respect to this injury.
“I leave the club at peace mentally due to the tireless work of the medical team. Every possible avenue to success was explored.
“I would like to thank my physio Karl Denvir especially; the last two years have been filled with his constant and unwavering efforts to help me. This work included weekends, late nights and early mornings without a hint of negativity or resignation.
“I’m certain Karl could not have possibly put more of himself in this effort to get me back playing, I am endlessly grateful to the man due to his willingness to sacrifice so much of his personal life to help his players get back doing what they love. We both finish this journey with our heads held high, many times the outcome is not within your full control, we did everything within our power to influence it.
“There are a countless number of coaches and mentors I will thank personally over the coming days for the help I received to get here.
“I loved playing the game, I’m so incredibly lucky to have got the opportunity to play it, I don’t regret one second of the journey. I have made connections with some incredible people that will last a lifetime. I could not have got to this point without the endless support from my family and friends. I am incredibly lucky to have had them there to help me. I wouldn’t have got anywhere near where I am now if it was not for their selfless support of me in my pursuit of this dream.
“The game can be cruel, I still love it and I will be supporting the boys from the stands with the utmost respect for what they put themselves through physically and mentally to get out there and put on the jersey. I wish the players and the coaches the very best of luck for the future.
“Although the outcome of this journey is not Plan A, I am certain within myself that nothing more could have been done, for that I am endlessly grateful and will not be looking back.
“The club has given me the opportunity to give absolutely everything I could to get back playing. Ultimately it was not possible but what more could I have asked for.
“Thank you and best of luck lads!”
