Byrne back with a bang: stats & quotes

After nearly two years on the sidelines battling injury, Leinster winger Andy Byrne was overjoyed to finally be back on the paddock and delighted Leinster fans with an exhibition of the form which made him a very noteworthy player. 

Post-match, Byrne fielded questions from the press and looked to be brimming with positivity. 

"I feel great," he said, grinning. 

"It was a big moment for me personally, and my family, and I think the guys during the week made it special for me. It felt like a first cap again. 

"I really took it in and enjoyed every moment of it, and I enjoyed the whole day, the whole build-up and the match as well.” 

Brilliant pic from @SportsfileSam of Leinster's Adam Byrne and his Mam after he scored two tries on his return from 22 months out injured pic.twitter.com/cnBbm7h0qs

— Rúaidhrí O'Connor (@RuaidhriOC) October 9, 2021

Byrne managed to come away with a brace of tries; finishing off some slick hands from the backline in the first half and gathering a beautiful cross kick from Johnny Sexton in the second. 

"It was really nice personally to get a try coming back, but just to put on the boots, get out there for the warm-up, running out and seeing the Leinster supporters cheering your name and cheering you on. 

"I couldn't even feel my legs there was that much adrenaline going through me. 

"I loved it.” 

His impressive comeback yielded the following set of stats: 

Running metres:  54 

Tackles:  2 

Carries:  6 

Defenders beaten:  3 

Clean breaks:  2 

Passes:  5 

Offloads:  3