Ireland prop Byrne joins Cardiff from Leinster
Ed Byrne passed 100 appearances for Leinster in March 2024
- Published
Cardiff have signed Leinster and Ireland loose-head prop Ed Byrne.
The 30-year-old has made more than 100 appearances during a decade at Leinster, where he has won five league titles and a European Champions Cup.
Byrne has six Ireland caps, with his most recent international appearance coming in 2021.
Cardiff say he will replace Wales prop Rhys Carre, who is rejoining Saracens this summer.
鈥淚鈥檓 unbelievably excited about the move to Cardiff," Byrne said.
鈥淚鈥檝e been fortunate to play at Cardiff Arms Park a good few times now and it鈥檚 always been an incredible atmosphere with great supporters so I can鈥檛 wait to run out in front of them in a Cardiff jersey.
鈥淲ith so many incredible players and all the young lads who have burst on to the scene for Cardiff and Wales in the last couple of years, it is a really exciting time and opportunity for me."
Byrne, who will arrive in time for the 2024-25 season, is the second prop to sign for Cardiff in a matter of hours, following the arrival of Danny Southworth from Exeter Chiefs.
The new recruits will compete for game-time with the likes of Corey Domachowski and Rhys Barratt.
鈥淚t鈥檚 great to be able to bring someone of Ed鈥檚 quality and experience into our squad as we continue to build," said Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt.
"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.
鈥淗e is a member of Leinster鈥檚 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."