Tributes paid following tragic passing of Rory Burke, Munster and Connacht prop

RIP: Munster and Connacht have paid their respects following the tragic passing of their former player Rory Burke.Pic: Munster rugby.

Heartfelt tributes have been paid following the tragic passing of Rory Burke at the age of 30.

On Sunday night, Munster and Connacht rugby clubs, along with the IRFU, united in grief following the sudden death of Burke, who also represented Cork Constitution.

The former Christian Brothers College star would win an AIL title with Cork Con before making the move to Munster in 2017 and later playing for Connacht and Nottingham.

All our CBC community is deeply saddened by the untimely death of our friend, past-pupil & 2013 SCT captain, Rory Burke

We extend our deepest sympathies to the Burke & Grogan families, his wide circle of friends & his colleagues at @CorkConRugbyFC, @Munsterrugby & @connachtrugby pic.twitter.com/1G1Sis5NJL

— CBC Rugby (@CBC_rugby) August 11, 2024

The tighthead prop was capped twice by Ireland at U19 level and he went on to win 10 caps for the Ireland in the U20 Six Nations and the Junior World Championship in 2014, scoring one try.

"All at Munster Rugby are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our former player and friend, Rory Burke," started Munster Rugby in a statement.

"Rory, who played his schools rugby with CBC and his club rugby with Cork Constitution, joined the Munster Academy in 2013.

"A hugely popular member of the Academy squad, Rory made his senior debut against Benetton in April 2017. A month later, Rory won an AIL title with Cork Constitution.

"After his time with Munster, Rory played with Nottingham and Connacht.

"Munster Rugby would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Sarah, and parents Paul and Karen and to Rory’s wider family and friends, at this very difficult time.

"He will be greatly missed by the Munster family and to all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in peace."

A statement from Connacht Rugby added: "Everyone at Connacht Rugby is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of former player Rory Burke, aged just 30 years old.

"Burke was a member of our professional squad for the 2019/20 season, and a popular member of the dressing room amongst players and management alike.

"A powerful tighthead prop, he joined the club from Nottingham where he made 30 appearances over 2 years having previously come through the ranks at Cork Constitution and Munster Rugby. He was also capped by Ireland at Under 20 level in 2014.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Sarah, parents Paul and Karen, and all his friends and family fortunate enough to have known him."

Cork Con recalled the joy Rory brought to club members.

"Rory’s passing is a great loss to the rugby community, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time. He will be remembered fondly by all of us here at Cork Constitution for his contributions to the sport and the joy he brought into our lives."

The IRFU have also said: "Everyone in Irish Rugby is saddened by the tragic passing of former Ireland U20, Munster and Connacht player Rory Burke.

"Everyone in the IRFU, Munster and Connacht extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Sarah, parents Paul and Karen, and all his friends and family fortunate enough to have known him."