Munster Confirm Ryan’s Departure
Promising Munster prop Timmy Ryan has agreed to join French club Toulon this summer, following in the footsteps of Leinster out-half Felipe Contepomi.
Munster have today confirmed media reports that tighthead prop Timmy Ryan has agreed terms with French club Toulon.
Ryan, who played in November’s historic encounter with New Zealand, turned down a full-time Munster contract in favour of a chance to feature in a star-studded Toulon squad which will be taken over in the summer by Philippe Saint-Andre.
The 24-year-old said: “While I believe it will benefit my game in the short term to experience a foreign rugby culture, I would hopefully see myself returning to Munster at some stage in the future and continuing my career in what is a superb set-up.”
Ryan’s game-time with Munster this season has been limited to just five games, including a 40-minute run-out against New Zealand in November.
He played recently for his club Cork Constitution in the AIB Cup final defeat to Ballynahinch and also lined out in last week’s AIB League Division One semi-final loss to Clontarf.
He began his rugby career with Highfield and has been capped at Youths and underage level by Ireland, including a number of games as a number 8.
Ryan switched to the front row in 2004 and his progress at tighthead was really underlined in an impressive outing against the All Blacks at Thomond Park. His younger brother, Dave, is also a prop and a current member of the Munster Academy.