Munster contract news as Billy Burns signs

Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to confirm that Billy Burns will join the province next year with John Ryan and Cian Hurley signing contract extensions.

29-year-old Ireland international Billy Burns will join Munster in the summer on a one-year contract after spending the past six years at Ulster Rugby.

The out-half has made 107 Ulster appearances since joining from Gloucester in 2018. He made his Ireland debut against Wales in 2020 and has earned seven caps.

Prior to joining Ulster, Burns made 101 appearances for Gloucester after making his debut as a 17-year-old. Born in Bath, he qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather.

John Ryan has signed a one-year contract extension with the tighthead prop making 217 Munster appearances since his debut in September 2011.

From Berrings in Cork, Ryan is a 24-cap Ireland international and has made 13 appearances so far this campaign.

A hectic 2022/23 season saw the 35-year-old line out for Wasps in England, earn a URC winners medal with Munster and reach a Super Rugby Pacific final with the Chiefs in New Zealand.

Cian Hurley has also signed a one-year contract extension having graduated from the Academy to the senior squad last summer.

The 23-year-old, who recently returned from an achilles/ankle injury, can play in the second row and the back row, and has made five senior appearances to date.

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.

Paired with a 21-year-old Tom Ahern, they became Munster Rugby’s youngest starting second row combination of the professional era.