How a search for game time forced Ed Byrne to leave Leinster

Ed Byrne recently moved from Leinster to Cardiff after making over 100 appearances for the province. He was also capped 6 times by Ireland.

In the week that Cardiff host Ulster in the URC, Ireland also named their squad for the Autumn Nations Series. Only five props were picked, with the likelihood being a 37-year-old Cian Healy will once again line out as second choice loosehead.

Byrne joins The Counter Ruck to talk through his life in Cardiff, why he decided to move and how he’s adapting to the challenge of more consistent game time. He also gives his take on why Ireland aren’t consistently developing international props, as well as the practice of players moving province in a bid to amplify their international career.

We also chat through the two young Leinster props named to the Ireland training panel. Having trained with them over a number of years, does Byrne think Jack Boyle and Thomas Clarkson add much needed depth?