Ross Byrne linked with shock return to Irish Rugby
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Number 10.
Former Leinster and Ireland out-half Ross Byrne has been linked with a shock return to Irish Rugby just one year after leaving for Gloucester.
The 30-year-old could reportedly emerge as an option for Munster as they consider their options following the major injury setback suffered by Jack Crowley.
Crowley has been ruled out until the New Year with a lower limb vascular injury, leaving Munster without their first-choice number 10 for the opening months of the new season.
According to RugbyPass, Munster head coach Clayton McMillan is expected to seek permission to recruit additional cover, with Byrne potentially offering an experienced solution.
Byrne left Leinster for Gloucester last summer after spending a decade with his home province and scoring more than 1,100 points.
However, his first season at Kingsholm did not go according to plan.
Charlie Atkinson moved ahead of Byrne in the pecking order at Gloucester, while the former Ireland international was also linked with moves away from the Premiership club during the summer.
Byrne held talks over a potential switch to Perpignan, but the Top 14 side ultimately signed Italian international Paolo Garbisi instead.
He still has two years remaining on the three-year Gloucester contract he signed when leaving Leinster.
A move to Munster would represent a remarkable return to Irish Rugby for Byrne, who won 22 caps for Ireland and was part of the Grand Slam-winning squad in 2023.
It would also provide Munster with valuable experience during Crowley’s lengthy absence.
McMillan’s options at out-half have been further complicated by an injury setback for summer signing Will Harrison, who has reaggravated a knee problem during pre-season.
JJ Hanrahan is their only senior outhalf, while younger options are available, but Byrne would offer significant experience at both URC and Champions Cup level.
For now, there is no indication that a deal between Munster and Gloucester is advanced, but Byrne has emerged as a potential option as the province assesses the market ahead of the new season.
