Former Louth schoolboy represents Ireland at World Rugby U20 Championships

At 19 years old and standing just shy of 6′6″, Mahon Ronan is hard to miss. The towering second-row and ex-St Mary’s Diocesan School student has made quite an impression on the Irish rugby scene, and his journey is only beginning.

The former Boyne RFC and Old Wesley clubman is now a key member of the Ireland U20s squad, having started all five games in this year’s U20 Six Nations.

READ NEXT: Dundalk return to winning ways with win over Cobh

He’s also been selected for the World Championship, with Ireland kicking off their campaign against Georgia today at 5pm (Irish time) in Calvisano, Italy.

But for Ronan, it all started on home turf. He told the Democrat: “My rugby journey began at my local club in Boyne RFC where I played from minis onwards.”

That local foundation laid the groundwork for a steady climb through the ranks, guided by committed coaches and challenging club rugby.

“Both clubs helped me and shaped me into the player I am today,” he said. 

“From learning the basics skills well in Boyne with great coaches all the way through and making me the type of player and person I am today.

“Old Wesley gave me the experience of playing at a high level to test me week in, and week out, which has helped me improve massively in the recent months.”

(Ireland players, from left, Mahon Ronan, Michael Foy and Ciaran Mangan during the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match against England. Photo by Sportsfile)

The call-up moment

Being named in the Ireland U20 squad was something Ronan had long dreamed of. The reality of it still catches him by surprise.

“I think when I found out I was a bit shocked because as a young player that’s the main objective to play for the Ireland U20s and it didn’t feel real when I got the news.”

Putting on the green jersey for the first time brought both nerves and pride.

“I was nervous, obviously proud of myself that I’ve made the squad but nervous because I know I had a job to do,” he explained. 

“My head was all over the place, I was constantly reminding myself of my roles during the match and trying to make sure to get them right.”

(Mahon Ronan of Ireland during the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match against Wales. Photo by Sportsfile)

World Cup excitement

The U20 World Championship takes place in Italy, and despite a tough Six Nations earlier this year, spirits are high in camp.

“After a tricky Six Nations, the lads are buzzing for this opportunity to show what we are capable of,” said Ronan. 

“We’ve had plenty of good intense training sessions and are very excited for the games, to show everyone what we can play like.”

(Mahon Ronan of Ireland is tackled by Matthew Urwin and Oliver McKenna of Scotland. Photo by Sportsfile)

Lessons on and off the pitch

Stepping up to the international level has brought new challenges for the young lock, both physical and mental.

“Physically, it is definitely how sore the body does be after games and training and just getting the recovery in straight away so you're ready for the next day's training, and it shows how important recovery is, it makes a huge difference,” he said.

“Mentally it would be trying to put the losses behind you and try to forget about them even though you try to use that as motivation, and any criticism said about the team just to ignore it.”

(The Ireland team huddle before the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and England at Virgin Media Park in Cork. Photo by Sportsfile)

As a second row, preparation for set-pieces and tight exchanges is key, and Ronan approaches it with the right mindset.

“Mostly it would be mentality just getting it in the head that you're ready for the game and the big hits and contacts for the game.

“Just being up for the mauls not afraid to get stuck in and making sure during the week in training your technique is right.”

Family 

A major influence on Ronan’s path has been his cousin, former Munster and Ireland player Niall Ronan.

“My cousin Niall would be a big influence since he has played professionally, it motivates me to try to do the best I can,” he said.

(Mahon's cousin, Niall Ronan, in action for Ireland A against Argentina Jaguars in 2009. Photo by Sportsfile)

“We would be fairly close, any questions I’d have about anything I’m not afraid to go to him to ask him... we have done a few training sessions together too when I was younger.

“Teammates too seeing them trying their best in training, eating right etc, would motivate me to do the same, and obviously coaches too, they put in so much work so you do it for them too.”

Memorable debut

There’s one moment that stands out in Ronan’s mind above all.

“I definitely won’t forget making my Ireland U20’s debut, it was a surreal moment that I’ve been working towards for years.

“It means everything, and at such a young age it feels surreal,” he said. “Makes you proud of yourself and makes you want to become a better player to keep on playing for your country.”

(Mahon made his Ireland U20 debut during the 2025 U20 Six Nations when he lined out as a lock against England. Photo by Sportsfile)

Looking to the future

As the U20 World Cup unfolds and the eyes of the rugby world turn to Italy, Ronan remains focused but quietly ambitious.

“In the next couple years, I’d hope that I’ll be in with Leinster, training and playing games and keep getting better as a player and who knows what could happen after that then.”

With his head screwed on, his heart in the game, and a strong support network behind him, the future is bright for Mahon Ronan.

(Mahon Ronan of Leinster wins possession in the lineout during the U19 Men's Interprovincial Championship match against Connacht. Photo by Sportsfile)