'He will be greatly missed' - Former Connacht and Munster player Rory Burke dies aged 30
Burke represented Ireland at U20 level in 2014, playing ten times across the U20 Six Nations and Junior World Championship
Tributes have been paid following the passing of former Connacht and Munster prop Rory Burke at the age of 30.
Burke died unexpectedly on Friday (August 9), according to a post on RIP.ie. His funeral is due to be held in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, on Wednesday.
Glanmire-native Burke, who played his schools rugby with CBC in Cork and his club rugby with Cork Constitution, joined the Munster Academy in 2013.
The powerful loosehead prop made his senior debut for Munster in August 2015 during a pre-season match against Grenoble at Thomond Park, before being part of the title winning B&I Cup squad in 2017. Burke made his competitive debut for the province in 2017 when he came off the bench n their Guinness Pro12 victory against Treviso in 2017.
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That same year, Burke also won an All-Ireland League title with Cork Constitution.
He was capped twice at Ireland U19 level and he went on to win 10 caps for the Ireland U20s in the U20 Six Nations and the Junior World Championship in 2014, scoring one try.
After a spell at Nottingham, where he made 30 appearances over two years, Burke joined Connacht for the 2019/20 season where "he was a popular member of the dressing room amongst players and management alike".
Following the news of Burke's passing, Connacht Rugby paid tribute to their former player in a statement which read: "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."
Munster Rugby also paid tribute to their former player in a statement shared on their website.
"All at Munster Rugby are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our former player and friend, Rory Burke," the club said.
"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."
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