Bristol Bears bring in ‘quality international’ as Ireland fly-half joins after slipping down pecking order

Harry Byrne in action for Ireland against Italy.
Ireland and Leinster fly-half Harry Byrne has signed a three-month loan deal with Bristol Bears, joining the Premiership club as injury cover for AJ MacGinty.
MacGinty was recently ruled out for four months while England international Max Malins is sidelined for the season, which leaves the Bears short on playmakers.
However, the club has made a shrewd acquisition by negotiating the signing of Byrne on a short-term contract, with this move set to benefit both parties greatly.
Hotly contested jersey
Byrne’s struggled for minutes at Leinster this term as the province have Sam Prendergast and Ross Byrne as other fly-half options, which is stunting his progress.
The loan switch to the Premiership side should allow him to flourish in an attack-minded Bristol Bears side that is coached by ex-Connacht head coach Pat Lam.
Byrne, 25, has played 75 times for Leinster and won four caps for Ireland, playing in the 2024 Six Nations. However, he’s since fallen down the pecking order.
Bristol director of rugby Lam is delighted to snap up the fly-half as the club is down to just an academy player as their only available number 10 right now.
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“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 fly-half, alongside our academy player Sam Worsley, who is the last remaining specialist 10 in our squad,” said Lam, whose side lost 38-0 at home to Sale recently.
“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.”
He 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.”
Wish fly-half well
Leinster, who have yet to lose a game this campaign, have yet to confirm the move on their website but did wish the player well in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“The very best of luck to Harry Byrne who joins Bristol Bears on a three month loan deal,” they wrote.
“Go well, Harry.”