Rugby / SU Agen: Dave Ryan, the symbolism of the club’s love

Is it proper to the pillars, or British phlegm, Irish in this case? Still, Dave Ryan, in public, is not the most expressive of rugby players. “Normally, I am an introverted person”. But as his last game approached, he broke his shell. The emotion was too strong.

Seeing the warrior very moved when he left the field, in the 53rd minute of the match against Nevers, to thunderous applause from the grateful Armandie stadium, is not trivial. « This end of the match, I will remember it all my life. I have no words to describe the emotion that inhabits me. Just, thank you all. »

Landed seven years ago in the Lot-et-Garonne prefecture, he fell in love, with his wife, with a city, a club and its supporters. « I only thought I would spend two years there. But after a few months, I didn’t want to leave. » With Tom Murday and Johan Sadie, who arrived the same year and became close friends, he discovered Agen, a small town which is passionate about rugby. « This connection between the city and the club reminds me of Munster, but on a smaller scale. I love the proximity to the public, talking about rugby in the supermarket with older or younger people. »

The fans aged in his heart

With the SUA supporters, Dave Ryan has forged a real, strong bond. « When you give everything on the pitch, they are grateful. I remember my first match with Agen, it was against Toulouse. We had lost but we had given everything. In the streets, everyone was proud of us.  » It is true that during his six seasons at the club, the right pillar has rarely disappointed them. A duty player par excellence, who has become part of the team, he was a major architect of the four years in the Top 14.

Collective, « and above all focus on the match », Ryan did not expand on his moods before the meeting and this maintenance to be sought. If not his desire to « feel, once again, the Armandie stadium pushing behind the team ».

Friday evening, in the locker room, for his last pre-match, « I cracked, he breathes. I said to the guys: « when you put on this jersey, it must mean something to you ». another wore it before and another will wear it after. We’re just passing through a club. It’s up to you to leave it in the best possible place. » A speech he hopes to repeat next year, « to young people and players who arrive ».

The story of a man

Because today, Dave Ryan does not see himself elsewhere than in Agen. « I arrived with my wife seven years ago. Since then, my three children have been born here. We feel perfectly happy. » A city, a territory and a club marked in indelible ink in the heart of the Irishman. More so since the birth of his daughter. « There were complications. And the club helped me a lot then. It’s something I’ve never forgotten, » he says before bursting into tears.

The shell breaks. A lot of mixed feelings burst into the light of day with, in the background, a crying love for the SUA. Asked by other clubs, he has always favored the very special relationship he has built here. Dave Ryan shows that even today, rugby, even when it has become ultra-professional, above all magnifies the stories of men.

The future coach of the forwards of the SUA?

« I can’t say anything yet. » For several seasons now, Dave Ryan has expressed his desire to train, and if possible at the SUA. Today, it is very likely that he will join Bernard Goutta’s staff next season. With what status? Forward or scrum coach. Club announcements should soon clarify this situation.

Big smile on his lips, the one who admires the work and the methodology of Bernard Goutta « hopes to be on the ground next season with the crampons. But less long this time (laughs). » He also has no doubts about the success of the club in a rugby that is more competitive each year. « I think the top 6 of Pro D2 is the basis for SU Agen. We don’t have big resources, but with the public, the city and the training, we can compete. » A coach’s speech, no?