You Don't Know Me: Ryan Burroughs

Considering it was only three years ago when Ryan Burroughs picked up a Steeden and played his first ever game of Rugby League, it is remarkable how far he has come in the sport.

USA

The world’s best Rugby League players are on their way to Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea this October for the 15th Rugby League World Cup.

Growing up in Virginia, the closest Burroughs got to playing either code of Rugby prior to 2014 was as a running back and wide receiver for his local high school before joining the US Army.

After three years of service to his nation, Burroughs was convinced by a friend to try a new sport and give Rugby Union a go for one of the local teams in Virginia. Showing that he had some natural ability, his same mate convinced him to join him at the NOVA Eagles as a way of keeping fit being seasons for his Union club.

What his friend didn’t expect, was just how much Ryan and Rugby League would gel. Despite never playing the sport before, Burroughs excelled, scoring 33 tries from 10 games for the Northern Virginia (NOVA) team and was quickly added to the USA Hawks for their end of season internationals.

Impressing for his nation and collecting three tries in just four matches and helping the USA qualify for only their second ever World Cup, Hawks team mates, Danny and Steve Howard convinced Burroughs to come to Australia and helped him get a start for the Wentworthville Magpies starting for the Sydney Shield side.

Competing against players who had grown up playing the sport, Burroughs more than held his own and was promoted to the Ron Massey Cup as the season progressed.

Highlights of Ryan Burroughs’ season for Wentworthville

Exceeding expectations on the Rugby League field just came naturally for Burroughs, meaning it was no surprise when he was the first North American player signed for to a professional contract with the Toronto Wolfpack this year, and then made history by becoming the first player to score a try for the team.

Burroughs scores Toronto’s first ever try

A capable fullback, centre and winger, Burroughs is a certainity to feature for the United States will again be looking to defy expectations this October when the Hawks head to Australia and Papua New Guinea for the 2017 World Cup.

Player Facts

Name: Ryan Burroughs
Nation: USA
Club: Toronto Wolfpack
Position: Centre, Fullback
Born: 26th August 1991
Height: 177cm
Weight: 91kg