Fylde RFC sign flanker Ben O'Ryan

He played for Blackburn RU until he was 16 and later worked under Fylde head coach Warren Spragg at Myerscough College.

O’Ryan, who is 6ft 1” and weighs 100kg, spent three seasons with the Ballymena club across the Irish Sea and one with GPS in Queensland.

He has played representative rugby for Lancashire and Irish Exiles Under-18s and for Ulster U19 and U20.

O’Ryan said of his new challenge: “I think that my strengths are in working hard in defence and linking with the back line in attack.”

“I’m really excited to be joining Fylde. The club has a massive reputation in the north-west and beyond. I really hope I can learn as much as possible and contribute to that history and achievement.

“I’ve enjoyed the initial weeks of pre-season training. It’s been tough but fun at the same time.”