Josh Byrne to play for Six Nations Chiefs this summer

Josh Byrne will be heading to Major Series Lacrosse to play for Six Nations Chiefs this summer. The move was first reported by Adam Levi.

Byrne is a four time PLL All Star and won a title with Chaos Lacrosse Club, now Carolina Chaos, in 2021. He was first team All Pro in 2020, and second team All Pro in 2021. He’s been a primary weapon and one of the Chaos leading scorers since the launch of the PLL. Byrne is just as if not more prolific indoors. With the Buffalo Bandits in the NLL, Byrne has won back to back titles, a league MVP, a Finals MVP, an Offensive Player of the Year award, and been first team all NLL. He was second in the NLL in scoring in the regular season this year and led the league in scoring last year. He’s a contender for more hardware this year, as the Bandits seek a three peat.

The move comes on the heels of midfielder Ian MacKay being placed on the Holdout List, as he is presumably heading north to compete for a Mann Cup this summer. Byrne also joins former Chaos teammate Dhane Smith, who left the PLL to play for Six Nations last summer. It may take Chaos fans by surprise, as Byrne signed a contract extension through 2026 a year ago. The Chaos can put Byrne on the Holdout List, where he won’t count against the active roster.

PLL contracts do not allow players to compete in both summer box competitions and PLL games. Some players who have competed both indoors and outdoors, primarily Canadian players, have started to choose to play indoors year round rather than go back and forth between box and field. Summer box, for many players, offers the opportunity for a greatly reduced travel schedule, leaving more time at home with family and friends in the summer. For players who are married, have young children, or live near their summer box team, this can be particularly attractive, though it’s not always the primary consideration. While there is very little in the way of official information or data, speculation has long held that some MSL clubs can offer players a salary that is quite high relative to typical player contracts in the NLL or PLL.

Byrne is the latest to choose the box game. A small sample of others include Smith as noted above, Jake Withers, Tanner Cook, Jesse King, Chris Cloutier, Ryan Smith, and Lyle Thompson.

UPDATE

The following is a release from the PLL:

Carolina Chaos Roster Update

April 22, 2025 – Carolina Chaos attackman Josh Byrne will not return to the team for the 2025 season. Carolina Chaos General Manager Spencer Ford and Josh Byrne released the following statements:

“While we’re disappointed in Josh’s decision, we respect his choice to prioritize his health and family, and wish him well,” said Spencer Ford, General Manager of the Carolina Chaos. “Our priorities are building a roster of competitive, dynamic players dedicated to our fans and team culture for the long haul, as well as bringing a championship back to this franchise. With the incredible depth of professional and collegiate talent available, Coach Colsey and I are positioned to construct a team that will be ready to win on Opening Weekend."

“After careful consideration of my personal health and family needs, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from the Carolina Chaos. This decision comes after much reflection on my physical and mental health.

“My wife Fiona and I recently married and are planning our future together. Years of playing in two professional leagues has taken a toll on my body, and has prompted me to evaluate my long-term career path. I’ve also been dealing with severe flight anxiety, which has significantly affected my well-being. This is something I’m actively working to address, but it has become a large factor in this decision. 

“The PLL has been incredibly supportive throughout my career, particularly in light of my recent struggles with travel, and I look forward to watching the league’s continued success. I’m grateful for the opportunities, relationships, and growth the PLL, Carolina Chaos, and our fans have provided me, and have full faith in the Chaos leadership to bring Carolina back to championship contention.” - Josh Byrne

On the latest roster shift, Chaos team captain and 2021 league MVP Blaze Riorden said,

"The strength of the Carolina Chaos has always been our will to win and fierce competitive nature. Every year brings new challenges, and I’m excited to backstop the best defense in the league, while adding a lot of young, hungry, talent. The vision Spencer Ford and Coach Colsey have established for the organization is clear, and our focus remains unchanged: bringing a championship to Carolina. We’re ready to cause Chaos."

Byrne will be designated to the holdout list. His rights will remain with the Carolina Chaos for the remainder of this contract.