Cardiff Rugby have bolstered their front-row resources for the 2024-25 season with the signing of Ireland loose-head Ed Byrne.
Byrne makes the move to the Welsh capital following a decade of service with Leinster, where he has won five league titles and a European Champions Cup.
The 30-year-old will arrive at the Arms Park in the summer, replacing the outgoing Rhys Carré and providing further experience in the competition for the number one jersey.
Byrne is relishing the change of scenery and is determined to help Cardiff turn their potential into results.
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 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.”
Since making his debut for Leinster in 2014, Byrne has racked up more than a 100 appearances despite a string of injuries in his early years.
He has also been a member of numerous Ireland squads, winning six caps on the international stage and Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt is pleased to bring in a player with such vast experience.
Sherratt said: “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 Cory Domachowski and Danny Southworth for the starting jersey whilst helping our promising youngster Rhys Barrett progress.”