Munster confirm signing of Billy Burns for 2024-25

Munster have confirmed the signing of out-half Billy Burns from Ulster in the summer on a one-year contract.

The 29-year old will join Graham Rowntree's side as another out-half option, in the wake of Joey Carbery's confirmed departure for France.

Burns, capped seven times for Ireland during 2020 and 2021, has spent the past six seasons at Ulster after joining from Gloucester in the summer of 2018.

"I'm excited by it actually. He’s going to be great and particularly good for helping the young guys come through," Munster head coach Graham Rowntree said.

"We need someone with a bit of experience and he’s at a crossroads in his career. He’s 29 and it’s a new challenge for him. He likes how we’re playing the game and I think he’s going to fit in really well.

"When the opportunity came to speak to him I was really excited but having spoken to him, I think he’s going to be a great addition to this squad."

News of the transfer was first reported in January after it emerged Ulster had opted against offering him a contract extension, as they looked to trim their budget for next season.

And Rowntree admitted that while he was pleased to sign the Ireland international, he was surprised to see the player become available.

"He’s keen to kick on with his career. As I say, he’s at a crossroads. It’s a change of scenery for him and his family, a change of playing style but he’ll give us a bit of experience, obviously with Jack [Crowley] doing what Jack's doing there’s a bit of void, isn’t there?

"We’ve got some great young talent coming through like Tony Butler, Dylan Hicks, Tom Wood but we need a bit of experience. Someone who can help those young guys come through and someone who can play, someone who we think will actually challenge Jack as