Ireland and Leinster out-half Harry Byrne has moved to Bristol Bears on a three-month deal.
The 25-year-old flew to Bristol this morning and has been signed as injury cover after the English Premiership side lost out-half AJ MacGinty to a knee injury.
Pat Lam’s side, currently second in the league, are short on cover at 10 with versatile back Max Malins out until the end of the season.
Byrne, who featured in Ireland’s Six Nations campaign last season, has been out of favour at Leinster, struggling for game time behind Sam Prendergast, Ciarán Frawley and older brother Ross.
The four-cap international has made just four replacement appearances for Leo Cullen’s side this season.
He has played 72 times for Leinster since making his debut in 2020.
Lam said: “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.
“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.
“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.
Bristol Bears face Saracens on Saturday and Byrne could make his debut.
Leinster are currently top of the BKT United Rugby Championship and second in Pool 2 of the Champions Cup after winning all 11 games.
Their next game is away to La Rochelle on 12 January.
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