COVENTRY Rugby flanker Paddy Ryan has received a call-up to the USA squad for a newly-launched four-team competition in Spain next month.
The Vila International Rugby Cup pits Ryan’s Eagles against the host nation, Brazil and Canada in a knock-out format at the El Pantano Stadium in Villajoyosa on November 11 and 18.
The 25-year-old back-rower is one of only two players in head coach Scott Lawrence’s squad who play club rugby outside the US-based MLR competition.
Ryan said: “I’m really looking forward to it – we’ll be in camp in Spain for 12 days and play two matches.
“This is something I never thought I would get to achieve so it is really exciting.
“If I’m honest representing the US wasn’t in my plans at the start of 2023 but there’s no doubt it’s a great thing to add to the plans.
“I’m hoping to build on the experience I had in the summer.”
Coventry head coach, Alex Rae, added: “It’s great that we have players being called up for their countries as it means we are doing something right in our recruitment and coaching.
“Hopefully, he can take what we’re doing over there and be a stand-out player in their training.
“Losing players from matches and training is not ideal for us but lots of clubs have the same problem and it’s something we have to take in our stride.
“It’s a real honour for Paddy to be called into an international squad and we all wish him well.”
Ryan will work with Eagles forward coach and former England World Cup finalist Nick Easter during the course of his time in the American camp.
He won his first three caps against World Cup qualifiers Portugal, Georgia and Romania during his country’s summer tour of Europe.
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.
He previously played for Cornish Pirates after initially coming across the Irish Sea as a teenager to be part of Northampton’s academy.
