Cardiff pull off major coup as Irish Test prop Byrne signs up
CARDIFF have signed Ireland international Ed Byrne from Leinster.
The 30-year-old prop will join the Arms Park ahead of next season, becoming their latest loosehead addition after the signing of Welsh-qualified Danny Southworth from Exeter.
Byrne, who made his Ireland debut in 2020, has won six caps for his country.
He has also made 105 appearances for the Dublin province, playing his 100th match against Zebre in March.
He said: “I’m unbelievably excited about the move to Cardiff.
“I love the brand of rugby that they play. “I’ve been fortunate to play at Cardiff Arms Park a good few times now and it’s always been an incredible atmosphere with great supporters so I can’t wait to run out in front of them in a Cardiff jersey.
“I have spoken with Jockey (coach Matt Sherratt) at length and it’s really exciting to hear the vision he has for the club and the direction they are going.
“With so many incredible players and all the young lads who have burst onto the scene for Cardiff and Wales in the last couple of years it is a really exciting time and opportunity for me.
“I’m looking forward to getting over there and getting to know all the lads ahead of the 2024-25 season.”
Cardiff head coach Sherratt said of Byrne’s signing: “It’s great to be able to bring someone of Ed’s quality and experience into our squad as we continue to build.
“I have a very clear picture of our game model and Ed matches that, whilst also being able to add experience and help mentor our younger lads.
“With a young squad and a number of experienced players retiring or moving on, Ed will bring all of his knowledge and experience from a top-level winning environment.
“He is a member of Leinster’s leadership group and I have spoken to a number of his coaches from over the years and they could not speak highly enough of his qualities as a player and person.
“To play at Leinster for a decade and gain six Ireland caps shows Ed is a top-quality player.
“He will be available all year round and compete with the likes of Corey Domachowski and Danny Southworth for the starting jersey whilst helping our promising youngster Rhys Barrett progress.”
Byrne was first named in the Ireland squad In October 2020, making his debut later that month against Italy and went on the make six appearances - four as a starter - in total.
He was named in the Ireland squad by coach Andy Farrell for the remaining matches of the 2020 Six Nations Championship.
He made his debut as a substitute against Italy on October 24, 2020.
Following the departure of Rhys Carre to Saracens, after his Wales chances fell apart under Warren Gatland, Cardiff have been left with Corey Domachowski and Rhys Barratt as their looseheads for next season.
Meanwhile, Cardiff have confirmed the extent of Thomas Young’s injury, while opening the door for Tomos Williams to still tour with Wales this summer.
Openside flanker Young went off in Cardiff’s last match against Edinburgh, with head coach Matt Sherratt confirming he would miss the club’s remaining three matches.
Gloucester-bound scrum-half Williams and No. 8 Taulupe Faletau will also play no further part in the remainder of the season although the former could still tour Australia in July.
When the scrum-half was ruled out with ankle ligament damage, it was doubtful if Williams would travel with Wales at the end of a lengthy World Cup season.
However, with Wales in need of someone to nail down the jersey and Williams expected to be back fit in June, it now seems more likely than not that Gatland will take him.
“They’re all not going to play again this season,” said Sherratt. “Tomos was ankle ligaments so I think he should be fit just after the season finishes.
“No real timeline on Toby but hopefully he’ll be fit for part of pre-season ahead of next season.
“Thomas Young ruptured his bicep so he’ll miss the rest of the season as well but he’ll be back for pre-season.”