Cardiff add Irish Test prop Byrne for next season
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 toplevel 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.