The late Rory Burke, 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.
Rory Burke made his senior Munster debut against Benetton in April 2017.
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.
Rory joined Connacht for the 2019/20 season, where he was a popular member of the dressing room amongst players and management alike.
A powerful loosehead prop, he joined Connacht from Nottingham where he made 30 appearances over two years.
Heartfelt condolences are extended to his wife Sarah, parents Paul and Karen, and all his friends and family fortunate enough to have known him.
Tributes have also poured in online, from every corner of the world, from those who knew Rory.
"Sending our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the Burkes, Grogans and Rory's wife, Sarah, you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Rory," a group of his former CBC classmates based in Sydney posted on Rip.ie.
"My sincere condolences to Rory's family on your tragic loss. Karen, you were so very proud of everything Rory had achieved over the years both on and off the playing pitch. Taken far too soon," another post read.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Ireland U20, @Munsterrugby @connachtrugby & @CorkConRugbyFC player Rory Burke.
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) August 11, 2024
May he rest in peace.
More: https://t.co/xpQhGCmvCQ pic.twitter.com/hMQuNzri3B
Munster and Connacht Rugby have also issued statements at the sad news.
"“Everyone at Connacht Rugby is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of former player Rory Burke, aged just 30 years old,” a statement released on Sunday evening read.
All at Munster Rugby are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former player and friend, Rory Burke," his home province posted on social media.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Sarah, and parents Paul and Karen and to Rory's wider family & friends, at this very difficult time."
Reposing at the Temple Hill Funeral Home, Boreenmanna Road of Jerh. O’Connor Ltd. this Tuesday (August 13) from 4pm to 5pm.
Requiem Mass at 2pm on Wednesday (August 14) in St. Patrick’s Church, Rochestown, which will be streamed here.
Funeral afterwards to The Island Crematorium, Rocky Island, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
