Bristol Bears have signed Leinster and Ireland outhalf Harry Byrne on a three-month loan deal as injury cover for AJ MacGinty after the former Connacht No 10 was recently ruled out for four months with a knee injury.
Sam Prendergast’s rapid development into Leinster’s number one outhalf has limited opportunities for the 25-year-old Byrne this season, and he has made just four appearances to date for Leinster.
Byrne, the younger brother of Ross Byrne, has won 75 caps for Leinster and four caps for Ireland.
He will head to a Bristol side flying high in the English Premiership this season under former Connacht coach Pat Lam, with just fellow west country side Bath ahead of them in the standings.
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Lam said: “Following the four-month injury to AJ MacGinty and the season-ending injury to Max Malins, it was important for us to bring in some additional cover at flyhalf, alongside our academy player Sam Worsley, who is the last remaining specialist 10 in our squad.
“Harry is a quality international player who is very experienced at domestic and European level, representing one of the top clubs in world rugby. His style of play is well suited to the Bears’ way, and I would like to thank Leo [Cullen] and Leinster Rugby for allowing Harry to join us.
“When I spoke to him, he was excited to come and play for the Bears and his experience will be valuable on and off the field as we head into a busy period of Premiership and Champions Cup rugby.”
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