Once set to be Johnny Sexton's long-term successor, Ross Byrne has endured a turbulent 2024 that has seen him slip out of the pecking order, both nationally and in Leinster.
While in the ultra-competitive out-half scene on these shores, game time is becoming a scarcity for the older of the Byrne brothers, he remains one of Europe's most accomplished out halves, with reports now suggesting that more than one club will be vying for his services at the end of this season.
While a number of years ago the expectation was that upon Sexton's retirement, Byrne would assume the top spot in Leo Cullen's squad, so far this season he has started just one of the six games he's played, making appearances off the bench in the other five.
Despite his recent challenges, Byrne is currently Ireland's most accomplished out half, having claimed a European Champions Cup, four league titles, and a Six Nations Grand Slam - a prospect which makes him very attractive to clubs in both France and England who are looking to fill the current deficit in high-quality out halves.
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26 October 2024; Ross Byrne of Leinster during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Emirates Lions at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Ross Byrne linked with Premiership giants
While it was widely reported that Top-14 side Montpellier were interested in signing the Irish fly-half at the end of this season, Premiership giants Leicester Tigers now look set to join a race to acquire his services.
Reports from Neil Fisler of rugbypass have revealed that Leicester are in the market to replace World Cup winning Handre Pollard who's expected to depart the club at the end of this season, with Ross Byrne sitting at the top of Michael Cheika's shopping list.
Leicester are currently enjoying a stellar run of form, sitting second in the top tier of English Rugby, the Gallagher Premiership, just a single point behind leaders Bath.
While Montpellier would undoubtedly be a more lucrative opportunity for the 29-year-old, the prospect of adding more trophy to his already impressive list of accomplishments might be enough to lure him to England.
Ross Byrne has already slipped behind Ciaran Frawley in the pecking order at Leinster, and with 21-year-old Sam Prendergast also expected to see more game-time in the coming years it would be little surprise if Byrne did avail of one of the options open to him.
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