Mark Ranby made his mark for the Hurricanes during the 1997 season as an up and coming midfield back, complementing the likes of Tana Umaga and Christian Cullen in an exhilarating Hurricanes backline. Blessed with explosive pace and strong defence he was destined for a big future.

But a groin injury curtailed his second season with the Hurricanes in 1998. He was a squad member, but he never took the field. Nevertheless he played a full part for the Central Vikings in the 1998 NPC, mostly at second five-eighth, scoring 6 tries in 12 games.

In 1999 he transferred to Waikato, eventually playing 39 times over five years between 1999-2005 and for the Chiefs between 1999-2006.

Ranby had been earmarked for promise early in his career when he was selected for the New Zealand Barbarians on the end of season tour to Britain in 1996. Earlier that year in his debut first class season he was Manawatu's top try scorer with nine tries. He also represented New Zealand U19 during that season.

Ranby became All Black number 1001 in June 2001 when he was subbed on against Samoa for his only test appearance.