By Paul Smith 
Coventry Rugby flanker Paddy Ryan has decided to leave the club at the end of the season and pursue his international ambitions with the USA.
As a result the 25-year-old will be joining San Diego Legion who are one of the 12 teams that contest Major League Rugby in the United States.
Ryan made his debut for the American Eagles last summer prior after being called up during Cov’s pre-season training. Following his autumn appearance in the Vila International Rugby Cup he now has five caps.
San Diego currently lie in fourth place in the MLR’s Western Conference with former Wallaby Matt Giteau and London Irish star Blair Cowan among their better-known names.
Coventry head coach Alex Rae said he is sorry to see Ryan’s time at the Butts Park Arena come to an end.
“It’s always disappointing to lose good people and Paddy is certainly one those,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity for him – it fits really well with his international ambitions and offers a fantastic life experience.
“We wish him well and look forward to seeing how he goes.”
The Irish-born flanker who qualifies for the USA through his American mother returned to full-time rugby when he joined Coventry from Championship rivals Ampthill in the spring.
Since then he has gone on to play in 16 of Cov’s 20 competitive games scoring three tries.
Ryan previously played for Cornish Pirates after initially coming across the Irish Sea as a teenager to be part of Northampton’s academy.
Buy tickets to Coventry Rugby’s next home game against Cambridge on Friday April 5th here: https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/tickets/matchday-tickets/
