Former Louth schoolboy represents Ireland at World Rugby U20 Championships
Mahon Ronan, 19, is part of the Ireland U20s squad that will take on Georgia today
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.
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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.”