Ryan Caldwell

Ryan Caldwell is a former professional rugby player turned natural medicine, meditation and breathwork practitioner. Born in Belfast, he played for Ulster, Bath, Exeter and Ireland, earning a reputation as a fierce competitor before injury broughtan early end to his career.

His story charts a turbulent journey from the heights of international sport to the depths of addiction, prison and, finally, recovery. Since rebuilding his life, Ryan has devoted himself to understanding what sits beneath performance and wellbeing, and how integrating identity and trauma inform the process of starting again.

He now speaks openly about mental health, addiction and transformation, working with others as they navigate their own paths forward. Ryan lives in Straid, Northern Ireland, with his partner Tara and their two young children.
@ry_caldwell

Peter Lockhart is a Belfast-based writer, journalist and solicitor whose work spans sport and long-form non-fiction. He writes regularly for The Irish News, Belfast Telegraph and BBC Sport, primarily covering rugby.

A lifelong Ulster and Ireland rugby fan, he also hosts Stand Up: An Ulster Rugby podcast, which follows Ulster rugby through its better and more challenging moments.

He lives in East Belfast with his wife Emma and their two young children.