Ringland made 31 competitive appearances for Ireland, scoring nine tries. In 1983 he toured New Zealand with British & Irish Lions.
As rugby was an amateur sport during his career, Ringland is also a full–time solicitor. In 2006 he was appointed as a member of the new North Ireland Policing Board. He has been a director of ‘Independent News and Media, Mediation Northern Ireland and The Ireland Funds.
Ringland is also active with Peace Players International, an organisation devoted to promote inter–religious unity in Belfast through sport.
In 2009, Ringland was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Northern Ireland in the New Years Honours list.
