A former pupil of Ballymena Academy, Bryan, (nicknamed "Bear") by his team-mates is regarded technically as one of the best scrummaging props in Ulster.
While Bryan made his Ulster debut in April 2002 against Connacht it wasn't until the 2005-06 season that he really made his breakthrough, playing in all but one match that season. Bryan's performances for Ulster brought him to the attention of the national selectors and he was part of the Ireland squad that toured New Zealand and Australia in June 2006 where he won his first two international caps coming on as a replacement in two of the tests.
 
Bryan continued his international career in 2006/07 season when he was included in the Autumn Internationals for Ireland and in the Ireland Six Nations Squad. He was also selected for Tour to Argentina Tour and sustained his impressive form at Ravenhill winning 23 caps for Ulster.