AFTER over a decade in blue, and over 100 appearances for the province, Ed Byrne has announced that he will depart Leinster at the end of this season and sign for Welsh side Cardiff.
31 in September Byrne, who was also capped six times by Ireland, made his Leinster debut against Zebre in 2014 and made his 100th appearance against the same team last March.
Byrne won five League titles and European Cup with Leinster but he is now looking forward to a new chapter in his career.
“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.
“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 Matt Sherratt told the club’s supporters that they signing a high quality player.
“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.
“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.
Ed Byrne goes past Munster’s Simon Zebo during his debut season in 2014
Photo: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Celebrating scoring a try against Isuzu Southern Kings in 2019
Photo: ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson
Leading out Leinster against Zebre last month to make his 100th appearance for Leinster
Photo:©INPHO/Matteo Ciambelli
