Ireland and Leinster out-half Harry Byrne has joined Bristol Bears on a three-month deal as injury cover. The 25-year-old flew to Bristol earlier today to help fill the gap left by AJ MacGinty, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Byrne’s signing comes as the English Premiership club, currently second in the league, faces a shortage of cover at fly-half, with Max Malins also out for the remainder of the season.
Byrne, who featured in Ireland’s Six Nations campaign last year, has struggled to secure regular playing time at Leinster, falling behind Sam Prendergast, Ciarán Frawley, and his older brother Ross in the pecking order. This season, the four-cap international has made just four substitute appearances for the Irish province, despite having played 72 times for Leinster since his debut in 2020.
Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam expressed his excitement at bringing Byrne into the squad, noting his extensive experience at both domestic and European levels. “Harry is a quality international player who is very experienced at domestic and European level, representing one of the top clubs in world rugby,” said Lam. “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.”
With the Bears’ injury woes mounting, Lam emphasized the importance of securing additional fly-half cover. Alongside academy player Sam Worsley, who is the last remaining specialist 10 in the squad, Byrne’s arrival is seen as a crucial reinforcement. Lam added, “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.”
Bristol Bears will face Saracens this Saturday, and Byrne could make his debut in the upcoming fixture.
Meanwhile, Leinster, currently at the top of the BKT United Rugby Championship and second in Pool 2 of the Champions Cup, remains in strong form with an undefeated run of 11 games so far this season.
