The USA Eagles completed an unbeaten July in the Nations Cup after defeating Spain last Saturday in Cary, NC, 29-22. At the heart of that performance was Paddy Ryan. The Eagles back-row, who scored a try and was everywhere around the field, capped another milestone in what has been a remarkable year. Ryan earned selection in the Major League Rugby 2026 All MLR First Team at openside flanker with Seattle Seawolves and has now established himself as one of the Eagles’ most dependable forwards, reaching 20 Test caps for the United States.

It represents quite the transformation for the Irish-born flanker. Just over three years ago, Ryan was searching for a fresh opportunity after injuries had stalled his progress playing in England. With being eligible to play for the USA, due to his American-born mother, a move across the pond offered the chance to reset his career. Looking back now, it proved to be the decision that changed everything.

There are moments in rugby when a single conversation helps clarify a difficult choice. Before making the move, Ryan picked up the phone to speak with people already involved in American rugby, looking for an honest assessment of the opportunities that lay ahead. The message was simple: if his ambition was to play for the Eagles, there was no better place to showcase himself than in Major League Rugby.

Ryan listened.

"It was like a choice I had to make between where I wanted my career to go," Ryan reflected. "You never really know what the right answer is, but looking back now, it was such a great decision. I'm so happy I made it."

Ryan reached out to me while I was still playing for San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby. He wanted an honest assessment of life in America, the standard of MLR and whether pursuing international rugby with the USA Eagles was a realistic option. His mother was born in the United States, making him eligible for the Eagles, but the move represented a significant career decision.

I told him exactly what I believed.

MLR was growing, San Diego was building something exciting, and if he wanted to wear the USA jersey, there was no better shop window than playing week in, week out in America's professional competition. He also reached out to former England international Alex Corbisiero, then coaching the San Diego forwards, who shared the same view.

Fortune also played its part. Scott Lawrence had only recently taken charge of the Eagles when injuries opened the door for Ryan to join the squad for the summer tour of Europe in July 2023. He seized the opportunity, making his international debut against Romania in Bucharest.

"It was just a bit of luck really," Ryan admitted. "They needed a back-row for the tour, then there was another injury in camp, and that became my first couple of games."

Since then, the only interruption to his international career has been a shoulder injury that ruled him out of part of the 2024 campaign. Otherwise, Ryan has become one of Scott Lawrence's most trusted forwards.

His commitment to the Eagles goes far beyond eligibility.

Although born and raised in Ireland, representing the United States has become deeply personal.

"My mum was born in America and she's super happy that I'm representing the USA. I love representing the USA as well," he said.

"You feel so much pride representing USA. The atmosphere in that stadium the other week on the Fourth of July against Portugal gave me goosebumps. I want to spend the rest of my career and life in America. It's home for me now."

His club career has mirrored that upward trajectory.

After arriving midway through the 2024 season with San Diego Legion, Ryan finally settled into American rugby before circumstances beyond his control forced another move. When San Diego exited MLR during the league's restructuring, players suddenly found themselves without contracts.

Rather than returning overseas, Ryan doubled down on his American journey.

Seattle Seawolves came calling.

Head coach Allen Clarke sold him not only on the rugby programme but the culture surrounding the club.

"From the moment I met Clarkey, I felt like he cared about me as an individual and cared about the club," Ryan explained. "They've got a great environment, a great culture and really good people who want to get the best out of you."

That faith was repaid.

Ryan enjoyed the finest season of his professional career in 2026, earning selection in the MLR Team of the Season after producing remarkable numbers across every area of the game. He finished with seven tries, ranked among the league leaders for carries, topped the charts for tackles made, tackle turnovers and overall turnovers won, establishing himself as arguably the competition's premier openside flanker.

"I felt like they got the best out of me," he said. "As a result, I was able to play some of my best rugby in the league."

Ryan believes MLR deserves far more respect than it often receives abroad.

"There are a lot of really good players coming over and the standard is actually really high," he said. "People probably underestimate how physical the league is. When you're in it, it's tough. People hit hard."

The shortened 2026 season only intensified that challenge.

"It was like a sprint. Every week was physical and every game was competitive. I actually feel the standard improved because there were fewer teams and the quality of players was concentrated."

His personal rise has coincided with genuine momentum within the Eagles setup.

Fresh from helping the USA win all three matches during the Nations Cup this July, including scoring against Spain after starting at No.7 following an appearance at No.8 against Portugal, Ryan believes years of planning are beginning to bear fruit.

"It's been building over the last four years. It's not something that happens overnight," he explained. "Scott has put that plan in place and now we're seeing the results."

Winning four consecutive Test matches is a rarity in international rugby, while increased investment in coaching and a far busier international calendar are helping the squad develop together.

"We've got more camps, more games and more time together than we've had before. That's how teams improve."

With Rugby World Cup 2027 now firmly on the horizon, Ryan sees the relationship between MLR and the Eagles as stronger than ever.

"If you're playing in MLR every week, you're in the shop window," he said. "Scott and the USA staff watch every game and every action. If your dream is to play professional rugby and represent USA, there's no better place to be."

It's advice that carries weight because Ryan has lived it.

Three years ago, he was battling through England's Championship looking for a break. Today, he is one of the standout forwards in Major League Rugby, an All MLR First Team selection and an established USA Eagle heading towards a Rugby World Cup next year.

His story reflects the pathway that American rugby is increasingly able to offer: a chance for ambitious players to build professional careers, develop through MLR and earn their place on the international stage. For Ryan, it all started with the courage to take a chance on something different.

Looking at where that decision has taken him, it's difficult to imagine it working out much better.