Leinster and Ireland outhalf Ross Byrne has agreed to join English Premiership side Gloucester ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Once considered Johnny Sexton's dead-set successor, the metaphoric rise of Sam Prendergast and Ciaran Frawley has seen Byrne fall out of favour and down the pecking order in Leinster.
While for many the prospect of representing Ireland has led them to interprovincial moves, Byrne's move to England will means he has all but give up the opportunity to add to his 22 Irish caps and single Six Nations title.
27 September 2024; Harry Byrne, left, and Ross Byrne of Leinster during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Dragons at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
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Ross Byrne makes English Premiership move
Byrne had been linked with moves to both Leicester and Marseille in recent months, however days after surprising reports from the Daily Mail - Byrne has been confirmed by the Gallagher Premiership side.
Speaking on the switch, 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 & White and challenging myself in one of the most competitive leagues in world rugby.”
While Gloucester finished second from the bottom in the Premiership last season, a shift to a much more attacking style of play this season under head coach George Skivington has paid dividends, with the club now sitting third in the standings and playing some of the most exciting club rugby in England.
That, coupled with the fact that they boast one of the most talent-laden backlines in English rugby, with Welsh internationals Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe as well as Christian Wade all plying their trade there should make the club extremely attractive for an out half like Byrne.
The move comes just weeks after Ross' younger brother Harry also moved to the Premiership, where he joined second-place Bristol Bears on a short-term loan as injury cover.
Barring the fact that there is a slim possibility the two Byrne's could now face each other next season, the interest from England's top clubs in Leinster's surplus is proof of just how competitive and influential Irish rugby has become.
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