French Top 14 club Perpignan has reportedly abandoned their efforts to sign Gloucester and Ireland fly-half Ross Byrne. The club had been exploring a move to acquire Byrne but has now redirected their attention elsewhere.
Byrne is currently in the second year of a three-year contract at Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium, having joined from Leinster ahead of the 2025/26 season. Despite high expectations, Byrne has found it difficult to secure a regular starting role, with teammate Charlie Atkinson’s impressive growth quickly establishing him as the preferred number 10.
Perpignan, who narrowly avoided relegation to France’s ProD2 after a decisive 47-24 victory over Provence, are actively seeking a new fly-half. Their interest has now turned to Italy international Paolo Garbisi. According to Midi Olympique, the 26-year-old Garbisi has fallen in the pecking order at Toulon following the arrival of Argentina’s Tomas Albornoz and is likely to move despite still having a year left on his contract.
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Garbisi, a 54-cap Italian international, has long been linked with Perpignan, and the club is reportedly close to finalizing the signing. Meanwhile, negotiations for Byrne’s move broke down as Gloucester and Perpignan failed to agree on a compensation package. Byrne’s reported £370,000 annual salary poses a significant strain on Perpignan’s salary budget.
Gloucester players not involved in international commitments are set to return for pre-season training on July 13, with Byrne expected to continue his development at Kingsholm.