Former Munster player Rory Burke dies aged 30

Sarah Slater

Irish rugby organisations have paid tribute to former Munster and Connacht prop Rory Burke, who has died aged 30.

The rugby player died last Friday and his funeral is due to be held in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, on Wednesday.

In tribute to Burke, Irish Rugby said that everyone in the organisation was saddened by the tragic loss of the former Ireland under-20, Munster and Connacht player.

“Rory, who played his schools rugby with CBC Cork and his club rugby with Cork Constitution, joined the Munster Academy in 2013.

“A hugely popular member of the squad, he made his senior debut against Grenoble at Thomond Park in August 2015 before being part of the British & Irish Cup-winning squad in 2017.

“He was also an All-Ireland League title winner with Cork Con that year.

“Capped twice for the Ireland Under-19s, he went on to play 10 times for the Ireland U-20s in the U-20 Six Nations and the World Rugby U-20 Championship in 2014, scoring one try.”

Rugby Ireland said Burke was a “popular member of the dressing room amongst players and management alike.

“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.”

Munster Rugby said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of Burke's sudden death.

"Munster Rugby would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Sarah, and parents Paul and Karen and to Rory’s wider family and friends, at this very difficult time.

"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."

Connacht Rugby said in a statement: "Everyone at Connacht Rugby is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of former player Rory Burke, aged just 30 years old.

"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”.