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James Ryan

b. 1983

New Zealand rugby union footballer

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About James Ryan

Born 1983. James Ryan is a New Zealand rugby union player and lawyer.

James Andrew Cheyne Ryan (born 10 February 1983) is a former New Zealand rugby union player. His position was lock.

Ryan was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, and attended Christ's College where he was a significant player in the school's First XV for three years. He later attended Knox College at the University of Otago where he embarked upon Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce degrees.

Career Ryan played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby and for Otago in the National Provincial Championship.

He made his All Black debut age 22, versus Fiji in 2005. He went on to play 9 further test matches for the national side.

Ryan was also a part of the New Zealand under 21 team in 2004. He was sidelined in April 2007 with a serious knee injury. Ryan had 3 operations in the space of 12 months and announced the termination of his contract with the Otago Rugby Union in March 2008 and confirmed he was taking an indefinite break from rugby.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
University of Otago
Also known as
James Andrew Cheyne Ryan

People in James Ryan's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped James Ryan's

Frequently asked questions

Who is James Ryan?

New Zealand rugby union footballer

When was James Ryan born?

James Ryan was born on 10 February 1983 in Christchurch.

What is James Ryan's occupation?

James Ryan is a rugby union player and lawyer.

What nationality is James Ryan?

James Ryan is New Zealand.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: James Ryan

· Wikidata: Q3161385

· DBpedia: James Ryan (rugby union, born 1983)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Ryan. https://biography.guide/james-ryan-rugby-union-player-1983/

MLA: "James Ryan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-ryan-rugby-union-player-1983/.

Chicago: "James Ryan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-ryan-rugby-union-player-1983/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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