Ryan, who played nine tests for the All Blacks in 2005-06, has not played rugby since April 7 last year, when he wrecked his knee playing for the Highlanders against the Chiefs in Queenstown.
He has been reluctant to comment on his playing future, following speculation he might retire because of his knee and shoulder injuries.
"I've decided to have an indefinite break. Some might say that's no decision, but it's been a big decision for me to make,'' Ryan told the Otago Daily Times from Wellington yesterday.
"I've had three limb reconstructions in 12 months and that has been pretty frustrating for me to deal with. Rehabbing is not a nice thing to be doing all the time.
"I think I just need to have a bit of space to physically give my body a complete break from rugby.''
Ryan (25) is contracted to the New Zealand Rugby Union till the end of the year but decided to exercise his right to terminate his provincial contract.
He would not rule out the possibility of playing for Otago again because, he said, he honestly did not know where or when he would return to the field.
"Probably, I will play in the city that I want to be in at the time. Wherever that is, is where I'll play.
"I'm not saying my time in Dunedin is over. I loved the place, and the Otago union were extremely good to me.
"I'm not saying my career is over. Far from it. But it's impossible for me to put a time on it. I don't even see the point in trying to do that. People are asking me what decision I've made but I've only really just stopped playing.
"Four years ago, rugby was just completely everything to me. I wouldn't have expected to be doing what I am now. But it's not money or opportunities that will make me want to play rugby again. I have to really want to be doing it.''
Ryan said he was fit but would need two or three months to get his body into the physical shape required to play top-class rugby.
He had played some cricket over the summer and felt no pain in the knee or shoulder that had required reconstructive surgery.
Ryan is working full-time as a lawyer at leading firm Russell McVeagh, immersed in corporate law, and said he was thriving doing something outside rugby for the first time since he was 18.
