Ryan missed out on selection for Ireland's squad for the 2011 Six Nations Championship, but was named in the training squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He made his first start for Ireland in the World Cup warm-up against Scotland on 6 August 2011, as well as playing against France and England. He won selection in the final 30-man squad for the tournament in New Zealand, and made three appearances at the tournament, including a start against Russia and bench appearances against Italy and Wales.