Munster Rugby and the IRFU have announced that Billy Burns will be joining the province next season, alongside contract extensions for John Ryan and Cian Hurley.
The 29-year-old Irish international, Billy Burns, will be joining Munster on a one-year contract this summer, following his six-year tenure at Ulster Rugby. With 107 appearances for Ulster since his arrival from Gloucester in 2018, Burns made his Ireland debut in 2020 against Wales, earning seven caps.
Before his time at Ulster, Burns made 101 appearances for Gloucester, debuting at just 17 years old. Born in Bath, he qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather.
John Ryan, the tighthead prop, has extended his contract for one more year. With 217 appearances for Munster since his debut in September 2011, the 24-cap Ireland international has contributed significantly, making 13 appearances in the current campaign.
Hailing from Berrings in Cork, Ryan had a busy 2022/23 season, representing Wasps in England, winning the URC with Munster, and reaching the Super Rugby Pacific final with the Chiefs in New Zealand.
Cian Hurley, who recently returned from an Achilles/ankle injury, has also signed a one-year contract extension. Graduating from the Academy to the senior squad last summer, the versatile 23-year-old can play in both the second row and back row, boasting five senior appearances thus far.
A product of Clonakilty RFC and CBC, Hurley plays his AIL rugby for Garryowen and made his senior debut for Munster at the age of 20 against Benetton in March 2021. Alongside 21-year-old Tom Ahern, they formed Munster Rugby’s youngest starting second-row combination of the professional era.
