Peter Ryan

Peter Ryan was a trail blazer for ACT Rugby Union with a distinguished playing career in the late 50’s and 60’s. . For selection in the Australian team Peter had to first be selected in the ACTRU representative side then compete against the NSW Country side for selection in that side. He then had to play against the NSW metropolitan side to gain selection in the NSW Waratahs. The NSW team then played against the Queensland state team and from there the Australian Wallaby side was selected. Peter achieved full selection despite residing in the ACT and regions. The ACTRU at that stage did not have full state status hence Peter had to compete against the whole of NSW in the initial selection process. Peter captained the Queensland Tour in 1966 and his overall career saw him play in 150+games for the Queanbeyan Whites, 40 ACTRU representative games, 12 NSW County and 14 NSW Waratahs games. Peter played 27 games for the Wallabies including 2 overseas tours to South Africa in 1963 and Tour of the British Isles, France and Canada in 1966/67, 4 full internationals 3 home and one overseas test where he scored 9 points on debut in the famous 18-9 victory at Sydney in 1963, the first home test win in 29 years for Australia. Peter was the top point scorer in the 1963 tour of South Africa scoring 79 points in 14 games. For his performance in the opening match of the tour Peter was awarded the “The Springfield Tyre Co” award. Peter had a distinguished playing career and unselfishly contributed to his sport, representing Rugby at the highest level at great personal expense to himself, returning from the 1966 Tour of the British Isles ‘Penniless broke’ yet unswerving in his dedication to the sport that he so dearly loved. Peter has been a role model for players and officials alike in ACT Rugby and still commands respect not only from his famous international peers in the game but all in the sport and the community who know him. In 1960 and 1963 Peter was awarded by the ACT Rugby Union “Best and Fairest” Award. In those days it was called “ The Castrol Cup – Tommy Byrne Memorial Trophy”. Over the years he has continued to contribute through various coaching roles with Marist College and earlier the ACTRU. RUGBY UNION Born: 2 April 1940 Inducted: 2009   Full Member