Byrne on the move

IRELAND, Leinster and Lions hooker Shane Byrne has signed for Zurich Premiership side Saracens, having failed to agree a new contract with the IRFU.

Byrne, currently on tour with the Lions in New Zealand, has signed a two-year deal with the London club after 13 years and 135 appearances for Leinster and his move is a big loss to the province. Leinster have already lost David Quinlan to Northampton and Leo Cullen and Shane Jennings to Leicester, while coach Declan Kidney returned to Munster earlier this year.

The move may also have implications for Byrne’s international career, as the Irish management is known to be keen on selecting home-based players, but his departure may be good news for Bernard Jackman, who featured on Ireland’s recent tour of Japan.