Rory Burke: Former Munster and Connacht player dies aged 30

The IRFU and his former clubs have led tributes.

Tributes have poured in for former Ireland Under-20 rugby player Rory Burke, who has died at the age of 30.

The Cork native, who also played for Munster and Connacht, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 9.

The tighthead prop was part of the Munster side that won the British and Irish Cup in 2017 and he also won an All-Ireland League title with Cork Constitution in the same year.

The IRFU was one of the first to pay tribute to their former player, saying: "Everyone in Irish Rugby is saddened by the tragic passing of former Ireland Under-20, Munster and Connacht player Rory Burke."

Everyone at Connacht Rugby is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of former player Rory Burke, aged just 30 years old.

Rory was a member of our Pro squad in 2019/20, and also represented Munster, Nottingham, Cork Constitution and the Ireland U20s.https://t.co/qVoPP3gVXN pic.twitter.com/HH3josYLBj

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) August 11, 2024

Burke was capped twice for the Ireland Under-19s and played 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.

He went on to join Connacht for the 2019/20 season, with the IRFU saying he "was a popular member of the dressing room amongst players and management alike."

The tribute ended by saying: "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 also paid tribute to their 'former player and friend', with their statement reading: "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."

Connacht Rugby also paid tribute by saying everyone at the club were 'devastated' to learn about the tragic passing of Burke and sent their condolences to the Cork man's family.