Tributes paid as former Irish pro rugby player Rory Burke dies aged 30

Tributes have been pouring in following the sudden death of former Irish professional rugby player Rory Burke , who was just 30 years old. Burke, who played at underage level with Ireland and represented both Connacht and Munster at senior level, passed away unexpectedly on Friday (August 9), as reported on RIP. ie.

His funeral is set to take place in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork , on Wednesday. The Glanmire-born rugby player, who played his school rugby with CBC in Cork and his club rugby with Cork Constitution, joined the Munster Academy in 2013.

The formidable 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 in their Guinness Pro12 victory against Treviso, reports the Irish Mirror .

• Irishman shot dead by police in Malta after allegedly 'murdering ex-partner'

• Dublin firefighter accused of raping woman in Boston remains in custody as he can't afford bail

In the same year, Burke also won an All-Ireland League title with Cork Constitution. He was capped twice at Ireland U19 level and 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 stint 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."

For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here .

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."

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .