Match-winner Byrne hails ‘career highlight’

Ross Byrne says his dramatic match-winning penalty against Australia is the highlight of his Ireland career after he capped “one of the most bizarre weeks” by returning from the international wilderness with a bang.

Fly-half Byrne was left out of Andy Farrell’s initial autumn squad and was still behind Johnny Sexton and Jack Crowley in the pecking order having been called up on Monday as injury cover for Joey Carbery.

The 27-year-old had not featured for his country since March 2021, but found himself elevated to the bench for Saturday’s 13-10 win over the Wallabies due to a late calf problem suffered by captain Sexton.

He ended his lengthy Test exile by replacing full debutant Crowley, before holding his nerve to land the decisive three points from a tricky kick wide on the right with justthreeminutesremaining.

“I don’t really know how to put it into words,” said the Leinster player. “It’s been one of the most bizarre weeks ever. I got the call on Monday after Leinster training, came in Monday night as cover, did thewarm-upandthengotthe call when Johnny pulled up.

“It’s definitely the highlight of my Ireland career, that’s for sure.

“It’s right up there, it’s what you dream of. They’re the moments as a kid that you want.

“Obviously I haven’t been in the squad for quite a while, so to be called in and just to be back was brilliant."

Byrne was taking part in pre-game kicking practice with Sexton when his provincialteam-matepulledupwith the leg muscle issue.