Ryan was raised in the Little River, Corio and Geelong areas of Victoria, Australia. He was one of four brothers. He was first inspired to play netball by his mother who played in local leagues. In 1992, at the age of 8, he began playing in Corio Netball Association competitions, initially in girls-only leagues. When he was 12 the association introduced mixed competitions.[4][5][6][7][8] Between 2007 and 2011, Ryan attended RMIT University where he studied Communications and Journalism.[9]
Playing career
At the age of 14, Ryan was selected to play for the Victorian Cyclones men's under-19 team and at 15 was playing for the senior team. In 2003, aged 18, he made his senior debut for Australia Sonix, the senior Australia men's team. Ryan went on to captain both the senior Victorian Cyclones and Australia Sonix men's teams.[4][5][6][7][8][10] While still an active player, Ryan also began coaching. Between 2003 and 2006 he coached the senior netball team at Corio Community Sports Club[11] While working in England, Ryan played for the Knights, a men's netball team. He made his Knights debut at the 2020 Big Showdown.[12][13][14]
Sports Broadcaster
As a sports journalist and broadcaster, Ryan has worked for various organisations, including Network 10 and Sky Sports.
Ryan left the Rhinos after the 2021 Netball Superleague season in which the club qualified for the finals series in fourth place, to return to Australia.[45]