About Ryan
Winner of SA Rugby's Vodacom Super 14 Player of the Year for 2008, the rangy, athletic eighthman has taken his game to great heights having achieved near cult-like status for the speed and agility with which he brings to the game. Under Coach John Plumtree, he has also refined his game in the quest for the perfect Number 8, combining aspects of loose play with an ability to mix it up in the tight phases as well.
Ryan is a tall, strong, yet pacey and skilled number 8. He has a natural flair on attack, breaking the line with powerful runs from the back of the scrum, whilst he is unrelenting on defense. His game is reminiscent of that of Zinzan Brooke and, with maturity and leadership qualities that belie his age. Ryan was selected in the Springbok squad that toured Britain in November and December 2007, the Springboks will play two one off tests against Wales and the Barbarians respectively.
Ryan made his test match debut in the Springbok's 34-12 victory over Wales at the Millenium Stadium on 24 November 2007, crossing the line for his team's 5th try to secure a resounding victory to start their reign as World Champions. He has recently been included in the Test Squad for the two matches against Wales where many expected him to start. However, he was overlooked for these tests and only started in the match against Italy.
As regular as Sharks victories were, the sight of Kankowski cracking open defences with a powerful burst or subtle offload, and so often was the go-to man when the Durban side looked to stamp their authority on fixtures. He's the ideal number eight, possessing size, strength and speed. He is also a committed defender.
FACTS AND FIGURES
| Debut | Caps | Tries | Conversions | Penalties | Drop Goals | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springbok Career | vs Wales 2007 |
15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Vodacom Super 14 | vs The Bulls 2007 |
40 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Provincial Career |
vs The Lions 2006 |
50 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
FAST FACTS
- Ryan was SA Rugby player of the year nominee 2008.
- Sasol Player of the year nominee 2008.
- Vodacom Super 14 Player of the year 2008.
- Absa Currie Cup Premier division player of the year nominee 2008.
- His Super 14 debut was in 2007 against The Bulls.
- His Springbok debut was against Wales in 2007 at the age of 22.
DID YOU KNOW
- Ryan was awarded academic honours at St. Andrews.
- Ryan was a house prefect in Armstrong House, St. Andrews.
- He received a Gold award in the annual Inter house Art competition.
- He has several nick names: The Hoff, Definite and Rockstar.
- His nick name "Definite" came from his close school friends who knew he would definitely make it in rugby.
- Ryan showed his acting ability when he was a cast member in the Armstrong play.
- Ryan is a demon at Guitar hero.
- At school, he was an active member of the Gym Club and Ibhonga Society.
- Ryan is a very fast runner and can do the 100m in under 12 seconds.
- He is always in a good mood and is full of smiles to everyone.
- He likes to eat a lot.
- Ryan is a golf fanatic.
