IN A HARRY TO IMPRESS

Byrne says Bristol loan will drive him on at Leinster

- By MICHAEL SCULLY

HARRY Byrne says his Bristol loan move has made him grow up as a rugby player and Leo Cullen knows from personal experience that will benefit Leinster in the long run.

With Sam Prendergast rested it was Byrne who ran the show at out-half for the province in their bonus point victory over the Sharks at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night — their first win of the new URC campaign.

It was his first start for Leinster since the end of last year, when his frustration with his place in the No.10 pecking order saw him move cross-channel for the remainder of the season.

Byrne returned raring to go this season after making seven starts in 10 appearances for Pat Lam's Premiership side.

"Every player just wants to play and so I went over there, played not too sure how many games in a row, which was good for me," he said.

"Everyone just wants to play rugby as a player.