[2] In an effort to find more game time, Downey accepted a trial at the then Heineken Cup champions Munster.
The lure of Heineken Cup rugby led to Downey joining the Italian Super 10 (now Top12) side Calvisano.
Then coach, Marc Delpoux, had been impressed by Downey when Connacht played Narbonne in October 2004, and brought him to Brescia.
[10] Downey played his first game of his return to Munster on 1 September 2012, starting at Inside Centre in their opening league fixture against Edinburgh.
[13] On 10 February 2015, it was announced that Downey had joined Aviva Premiership side Wasps on loan for the remainder of the 2014–15 season.
[16] Downey had to settle for an appearance off the bench again as Ireland A beat England Saxons 22–49 to win the 2009 Churchill Cup Final.