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US Eagles prop Paddy Ryan has signed for Austin Elite for the 2018 Major League Rugby season. The tighthead specialist is currently playing for his home club of Highfield RFC in Cork, Ireland, after a brief trial with Aviva Premiership club Bath. He spent the last two seasons in the Premiership with Newcastle Falcons but managed only 10 games for the senior side with injuries curtailing his involvement.
The 26-year-old Ryan, Irish-raised but born in Chicago, made his international debut for the Eagles against Ireland in June, starting against Canada two weeks later. He will be part of the Eagles squad that travels to Europe next week. An age-grade international for Ireland, Ryan has also played professionally for London Welsh, Libourne in France, and Viadana in Italy after leaving the Munster academy in 2013.
Other notables who have already signed for Austin Elite include fellow front rows Peter Malcolm and Mason Pedersen, former All-American scrumhalf Michael Reid, and bruising Tongan center Paki Afu. Major League Rugby is set to kick off in April of 2018.
