Independent Disciplinary Update: James Ryan

Ireland number 4, James Ryan, appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee this afternoon via video link having received a red card for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.20a in the match between Ireland and South Africa on Saturday 22 November 2025.             

The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Wang Shao-ing (Singapore), joined by Bogdan Zebega (Romania) and Val Toma (Romania)

The Disciplinary Committee has upheld the red card issued to the player and by applying World Rugby’s sanctioning provisions, have determined that the mid-range entry point of six weeks/matches was appropriate. In light of the player accepting the red card, his clean disciplinary record as well as other mitigating factors, they have applied the maximum 50% reduction in sanction, thus reducing the final sanction to three weeks/matches.

The suspension will cover the following fixtures:

• 28 November 2025 – Dragons RFC vs Leinster Rugby, United Rugby Championship
• 6 December 2025 – Leinster Rugby vs Harlequins, EPCR Champions Cup
• 12 December 2025 – Leicester Tigers vs Leinster Rugby, EPCR Champions Cup *

* The player has additionally been given permission to apply to take part in World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme to substitute the final match of their sanction which is aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues that contributed to the foul play.