John Ryberg transformed his game in 2021. When he grew in confidence and familiarity with the Giltinis’ attack, he got more and more involved off his wing.
He was a two-try hero in the Championship triumph and finished with nine in all from his power running for the 2021 season. He has huge potential to keep imposing himself as one of MLR’s most influential wingers in 2022.
Ryberg was born in Texas but moved to Iowa as he was growing up, attending Xavier High School. It was at college at the University of Iowa where he first had a taste of rugby and went from strength to strength in his adopted sport. After graduating from college, Ryberg joined the then-amateur Glendale Marlins. When MLR began and the Glendale Marlins became the Raptors, Ryberg had his first professional chance. His first MLR season was interrupted by injury but Ryberg tallied 17 games for the Raptors over his two seasons with the club.