Lee Byrne

Lee Byrne (born 1 June 1980 in Bridgend, Wales) is a Welsh rugby union footballer, currently playing for the Ospreys in the Magners League and Heineken Cup. He has also played for the Welsh national team, and has been capped 19 times. His usual position is at full-back, although he has played on the wing.

Following his good performances for the Llanelli Scarlets in both the Celtic League and the Heineken Cup during the 2005-06 season, he was called up to the national squad for the November Test series. He made his debut as a replacement against the All Blacks on November 5 at Millennium Stadium. Wales lost 3-41. He also played in the win over Fiji and the loss to South Africa. He has since played during the 2006 Six Nations Championship, and earned a further two caps in a mid-year series against Argentina. His sole appearance in the 2006 Autumn internationals was on the wing against the Pacific Islands. Byrne was a revelation in the 2008 Six Nations tournament at full back and a key component of Wales' Grand Slam.

While playing against Connacht in 2007, Byrne demonstrated his abilities as a stand-in kicker when he kicked two penalties and two conversions, after fly-half Shaun Connor went off injured. He has scored tries against England and Italy in the 2008 Six Nations Championship. Following his superb performances for Wales in the 2008 Autumn Internationals against South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia (which included a try against the latter), Byrne has been tipped not only for a place in the British Lions squad, but also a place in the starting 15.