Andrew Ryland (born March 8, 1981) is an American former international rugby union player.
| Date of birth | March 8, 1981 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 240 lb (109 kg) | ||||||||||||||||
| School | State College High School | ||||||||||||||||
| University | Pennsylvania State University | ||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||
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Raised in State College, Pennsylvania, Ryland grew up one of seven siblings, four of whom were adopted amongst the numerous foster kids that his family took in over the years.[1] He was born with congenital defects in his right foot which left him with toes that do not touch the ground, for which he had to start wearing orthotics.[2]
Ryland, a three-year football letterman at State College High School, was a walk-on Penn State linebacker, later awarded a grant by coach Joe Paterno.[3] His father Terry coached the Penn State rugby team and he earned All-American honours playing under him in 2004. He was a flanker on the U.S. national team in 2005, gaining four caps.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Lion secured by family ties". The York Dispatch. November 20, 2003.
- ^ "Ryland perseveres despite deformity". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. November 14, 2003.
- ^ "Love of the game". Centre Daily Times. September 6, 2003.
- ^ "Eagles squad named for Superpowers Cup". ESPN.com. May 18, 2005.