Leinster and Ireland out-half Ross Byrne has been linked with a surprise move to the Top 14 this summer.
While Byrne was once Leinster's surefire replacement for Sexton, the last twelve months have seen Leinster's availability at the out-half spot grow ever more congested, with Byrne falling victim to diminishing game time.
The 29-year-old is one of four Leinster out-halves currently playing their trade in Dublin, with utility back Ciaran Frawley currently taking the favour of both Cullen and Andy Farrell, while both Byrne's younger brother Harry and the up-and-coming Sam Prendergast are also vying for the same position at Leinster.
The latter of which is generally expected to carry the mantle of the ten jersey in the future, having started all three games in the recent Emerging Ireland Tour and having made a significant impression during his time with Leinster and the Ireland U20s.
27 September 2024; Ross Byrne of Leinster during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Dragons at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
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Ross Byrne linked with surprise Top 14 move
According to reports by Vincent Bissonnet and Simon Valzer in France's Midi Olympique, Montpellier who currently sit 12th in the Top 14, having won just two of their seven opening games are interested in bringing Ross Byrne to the South of France.
According to the reports, Montpellier are looking to strengthen their squad and turn their poor form around with the recruitment of international stars and have made contact with Byrne who has expressed an openness to the idea. According to the same source, All Blacks scrum-half Finlay Christie is also high on their target list and could play alongside Byrne if both moves are successful.
While the attractive salaries of the Top 14 have lured many an Irish rugby star to the continent, the move would likely spell the end of Byrne's involvement in the national set-up and all but ensure that a trip to Australia for the 2027 World Cup would be off the cards.
However, Byrne's current dwindling favour for the jersey may make that decision somewhat easier, as it stands both Munster's Jack Crowley and Leinster's Ciaran Frawley stand ahead of Bryne in the pecking order, with it widely expected that when the moment is right, Sam Prendergast may also leap-frog whoever is there.
That said, the four-time Pro-14 winner, European Champions Cup winner and Grand Slam winner still remains a vital cog in the well-oiled machine at Leinster Rugby, with Byrne being an ever-reliable presence during the club's unprecedented success of the last decade.
Such importance was proved last night when Byrne made an early appearance off the bench for the injured Ciaran Frawley and drove Leinster to an effortless 33-12 win over Connacht.
While he may not be their first choice currently, Leinster would undoubtedly feel the loss of Ross Byrne, who knows what's needed of him in the RDS better than anyone else.
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