Byrne eyes Heineken Cup glory after Welsh pain

The full-back did not feature in a single minute of Wales' march to Grand Slam glory with Cardiff Blues starlet Leigh Halfpenny cementing his place at the back.

Byrne admits it was a hugely frustrating period but he is relieved to be back in France and determined to remind Welsh selectors of his capabilities.

"I'm really happy to be back in Clermont - personally it's a relief," said Byrne.

"I did not get the chance to play a single game during the Grand Slam and watching the others players celebrating was very painful.

"They worked a lot and deserve their success. But for me it's a pleasure to be back in Clermont - I can turn a new page and get back playing the game."

Byrne started in Clermont's 29-23 victory over Perpignan on Saturday, in which David Skrela kicked 24-points.

Clermont face Biarritz Olympique this weekend in their final match before the Heineken Cup quarter-final showdown with Saracens on April 8.

"It's important that I show what I can do now and the upcoming Heineken Cup game is a great opportunity for me," said Byrne

"I know that game will be watched it Wales. The next Top 14 game against Biarritz is really important to win my place in the starting team to face Saracens.

"I want to give everything on the pitch for Clermont. It's a club where I can win titles."

Despite falling out of favour with Wales, Byrne is delighted to have made the move to Clermont in the summer and reckons it is the best team he has been involved in.

"It is easily the best team I've played in. We have a very special team," said Byrne.

"Sometimes during the training I take my time just to watch my team-mates. It is impressive. First the quality of the players and then the huge confidence of the team."