Leinster sign Byrnes from Eastern Suburbs

Michael Cheika has completed his first signing as new Leinster coach after capturing lock Adam Byrnes on a two-year deal.

The 6ft 7in Byrnes has joined the Irish province from Australian side Eastern Suburbs, and is already armed with an EU passport.

Cheika said: “Adam is a young, hard and aggressive player who will add competition and skills to the pack.

“He played for Eastern Suburbs and he always impressed me when I was coaching Randwick.

“The rivalry between the two sides is like that between Leinster and Munster. So for me to bring him here shows how highly I rate him.”

Young winger James Norton has agreed a new one-year deal with the province.

A former Ireland schools and under-21 representative, Norton had a stand-out season in 2003/04, scoring eight tries in 13 Celtic League games, but struggled to find first-team form last season.