Ross Byrne's switch from Leinster to Gloucester confirmed

The emergence of Sam Prendergast has pushed Ross Byrne down the depth chart at Leinster. 

REAL COUP: Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington said the signing of Ross Byrne is a "real statement of ambition" by the club. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Ross Byrne’s switch this summer from Leinster to Gloucester has been confirmed by the English Premiership club.

The 29-year old has played 177 times for his native province and earned 22 caps for Ireland. He has made 15 appearances in blue this season, four of them in the starting No.10 jersey, despite the emergence of Sam Prendergast.

That development has, however, clearly pushed the older man down the depth chart. He has not been called up for Ireland duties in recent times and turned out for Leinster ‘A’ in the middle of the November internationals.

For so long the understudy to Johnny Sexton, Byrne proved to be a dependable hand on the tiller when needed. He has won four league titles with Leinster and one Champions Cup medal and racked up 1,156 points for the province.

He has also been a part of two Triple Crowns, a Six Nations Championship, one Six Nations Grand Slam and a World Cup campaign in 2023 with his country having made his debut against Italy in 2018.

“Leinster is quite rightly recognised as a breeding ground for lots of quality players, and Ross is one of the best players they’ve produced over the last decade,” said Gloucester director of rugby, George Skivington.

“It’s rare to come across someone with so much domestic and international pedigree, and when they do become available, inevitably there’s a lot of interest in them, so it’s a real coup for us.

“Ross’s signing is a real statement of ambition, and we can’t wait for him to get started.” 

Byrne said: “I’m delighted to have signed with Gloucester Rugby for next season. The club’s exciting ambitions made it an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up.

“The team are producing a really great brand of rugby already, and that’s certainly something that drew me to Kingsholm. I’m hoping I can add to that and help the team grow further in the future.

“Having experienced the incredible atmosphere at Kingsholm before, I’m looking forward to getting out there in cherry and white and challenging myself in one of the most competitive leagues in world rugby.” 

Prendergast aside, Leinster can call on Ciaran Frawley at out-half and it is now likely that Harry Byrne, Ross’ brother, will return to Dublin at the end of the season following what has to date been a very successful loan spell at Bristol Bears.

Harry Byrne only joined the West Country side at the turn of the year but has already banked considerable game time as he provides emergency cover for Pat Lam in the absence, mainly, of AJ McGinty through injury.

Ross Byrne’s exit is not the first to be confirmed by Leinster ahead of the close season. The front row pair of Lee Barron and Michael Milne will make their way to Munster come the summer.