A product of Carmarthen Athletic RFC, Ryan followed in the footsteps of former skipper Ken Owens, both at regional and international level. Made his Scarlets debut in 2014 and was first capped by Wales on the 2017 summer tour against Tonga in Auckland. A powerful carrier and renowned scrummager, he was a member of the Scarlets side that started the Guinness PRO12 final in 2017. Ryan featured at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and was a member of the Wales squad that clinched the Six Nations title in 2021. He went on to captain the Scarlets during the Rainbow Cup and has been a regular starter for club and country, wearing the No. 2 jersey during the 2023 World Cup in France. Chosen as Scarlets’ coaches player of the season for 2025-26, he is closing in on 200 appearances for the club and 50 caps for Wales.