Rugby

Former Connacht and Munster player Rory Burke dies aged 30

A powerful loosehead prop, he was capped by Ireland at under-20 level in 2014

Rory Burke training for Connacht in 2019. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Rory Burke training for Connacht in 2019. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Mon Aug 12 2024 - 08:17

Former Connacht, Munster and Ireland under-20 player Rory Burke has died aged 30.

He represented Cork Constitution, Munster and Nottingham and Connacht. Burke made his competitive debut for Munster when he came off the bench against Treviso in 2017.

A powerful loosehead prop, he joined the Connacht from Nottingham where he made 30 appearances over two years. He was also capped by Ireland at under-20 level in 2014.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Sarah, parents Paul and Karen, and all his friends and family fortunate enough to have known him,” Connacht Rugby said in a statement.

READ MORE

Munster Rugby said they were “deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our former player and friend”.

In a statement, the province said: “Rory, who played his schools rugby with CBC and his club rugby with Cork Constitution, joined the Munster Academy in 2013. A hugely popular member of the academy squad, Rory made his senior debut against Benetton in April 2017. A month later, Rory won an AIL title with Cork Constitution. That same year, Rory was a part of the title winning B&I Cup squad.”

“He will be greatly missed by the Munster family and to all of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in peace.”

The Counter Ruck

The Counter Ruck

Sign up to the Irish Times weekly rugby digest for the view from the press box with Gerry Thornley