Adam Byrnes

Lock

Profile
Height:	201 cms
Weight:	118 kgs
Date Of Birth:	29/07/1981
Place of Birth:	Sydney, Australia

Stats
Super Rugby Caps:	30
Super Rugby Points:	5 (1t)
Super Rugby Debut:	2009 (for Queensland Reds)
Test Rugby Caps:	4 (for Russia)
Test Rugby Debut:	2011 v USA

Russian international, Adam Byrnes, provides a combative presence in the RaboDirect Rebels’ second row. Standing over 200cm tall, Adam rarely takes a backward step, and his physicality endeared him to both teammates and supporters during the club’s debut season.

The 30-year-old made 11 appearances for the Rebels in 2011, bringing his total of Super Rugby caps to 30. His previous Super Rugby experience was with the Queensland Reds, a club he made his competition debut for in 2009.

Prior to that, the Sydney-born Lock spent two years with Irish powerhouse, Leinster, in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup. He also has experience of the Shute Shield competition in NSW and with the Waratahs academy.

Adam’s maternal grandparents are both Russian, enabling him to represent Russia internationally. Prior to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, he was selected as a member of the Russian Bears squad, making his Test debut against the USA in his country’s first pool match. Adam took part in all four of Russia’s World Cup fixtures, including a memorable clash against the Wallabies.

Adam’s partner is also a professional athlete, Olympian, Sophie Edington. Watching Sophie compete in the 2010 Commonwealth Games on television proved to be an early team bonding experience for the Rebels, with Sophie’s successful 50m backstroke final broadcast during the squad’s first training camp in Lorne.

Adam can often be found at some of the city’s other major sporting occasions, including the F1 Grand Prix and the spring racing carnival. Outside of sport, Adam also made the news in 2011 as a guest at the wedding of Prince Albert of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock in Monte Carlo.