Overview
- Leinster have brought back former Ireland loosehead Ed Byrne on a loan through the end of the season to add front-row cover.
- Injuries at loosehead left Leinster short, with Jack Boyle and Paddy McCarthy out for the season, Andrew Porter sidelined for the Sale quarter-final, and Alex Usanov forced off early with an ankle injury.
- Byrne is available for upcoming United Rugby Championship games against Ulster and Benetton as Leinster prepare for a Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon.
- Cardiff supported the move as Byrne’s contract there expires this summer, which likely ends his spell in Wales and gives him a platform to secure his next deal.
- A Leinster academy graduate with 100-plus provincial appearances and six Ireland caps, Byrne knows the system at a specialist position where familiarity speeds selection.