Tributes paid after death of ex-Munster and Connacht prop Rory Burke

The IRFU have paid tribute to former Munster and Connacht prop Rory Burke, who has died at the age of 30. The Cork native passed away unexpectedly on Friday.

Burke joined Munster's academy in 2013 and went on to make his competitive debut against Benetton in April 2017.

The front row was part of the Munster side that won the British and Irish Cup in 2017, while he also won an All Ireland League title with Cork Constitution that year.

Burke joined Nottingham in the summer of 2017, and spent two seasons with the English Championship side, before returning to Ireland in 2019 to join Connacht, where he played for one year.

"Everyone in Irish Rugby is saddened by the tragic passing of former Ireland U20, Munster and Connacht player Rory Burke," the IRFU said in a statement.

"Rory, who played his schools rugby with CBC and his club rugby with Cork Constitution, joined the Munster Academy in 2013 and was a hugely popular member of the squad.

"Everyone in the IRFU, Munster and Connacht extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Sarah, parents Paul and Karen, and all his friends and family fortunate enough to have known him."

Burke represented Ireland at U20 level in 2014, playing ten times across the U20 Six Nations and Junior World Championship, scoring one try.