Leinster bring home Ireland prop in emergency deal amid crisis

Leinster have signed former Ireland loosehead Ed Byrne on a short-term loan from Cardiff until the end of the season, as reported by RugbyPass.

The United Rugby Championship outfit have been forced to make the move during a loosehead crisis in Dublin. Both Jack Boyle and Paddy McCarthy have been ruled out until the end of the season, while Andrew Porter missed the Investec Champions Cup quarter-final victory over Sale Sharks on Saturday with a shoulder injury.

Leinster’s woes deepened minutes into the match at the Aviva Stadium when Alex Usanov was forced from the field with an ankle injury on his Champions Cup debut.

With Jerry Cahir the only option remaining in the senior squad, Leo Cullen has called upon the former Leinster prop Bryne.

The 32-year-old came through the Leinster academy and went on to make over 100 appearances for the province, as well as earning six caps for Ireland, before moving to Cardiff in 2024.

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17 Apr 26

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With Byrne’s contract in the Welsh capital expiring at the end of the season, this deal effectively ends his time with the club.

Leinster have URC fixtures against Ulster and Benetton over the next two weeks, and will have Byrne at their disposal for both matches. Their attention will then switch to Toulon in the Champions Cup semi-final, where Cullen will hope to have at least Porter back by then.

“We’re delighted to have Ed back in blue for the remainder of this season,” Cullen said.

“Not only is Ed a great character but he also knows our system inside out, brings valuable experience, and will be a timely boost to our front-row options during what is a very busy and competitive stage of the season. We’re very grateful to Cardiff Rugby for their understanding and cooperation in facilitating this move.”

Cardiff boss Corniel van Zyl said: “Ed leaves the club with our very best wishes for the future. He has been incredibly unlucky with injuries during his time with the club and I know this has been hugely frustrating to him.

“However, he is a really good person and it was important that we did the right thing for him and his career.

“While he hasn’t played as much as we would have liked, he has contributed a huge amount at the Arms Park through his vast experience, his leadership and the standards he drives.

“With his contract expiring in the summer, this is a great opportunity for Ed to continue his return to rugby at a club he is very familiar with as he looks to secure a contract for next season.”