Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread XII (The Byrne Supremacy)

I wouldnt be surprised if Big Joe gets game time in next years 6nations

Leinster Rugby can confirm the retirement of second row forward Devin Toner at the end of the current season.

Toner, who turns 36 in June, made his Leinster Rugby debut in January 2006 off the bench against the Border Reivers, and has since had a glittering career in the blue of Leinster and, of course, in the green of Ireland.

He won 70 caps for Ireland, won three Six Nations winners’ medals and was a member of the 2018 Grand Slam winning side.

During his time with Leinster, the Meath native has to date won four Heineken Cup titles, a Challenge Cup title and seven league titles, as well as becoming the most capped player in Leinster history.

Speaking to leinsterrugby.ie, Toner admitted it was not the easiest decision to make but that the time felt right.

“There is never a right time I suppose and you would love to keep playing but I feel very lucky to have had the career that I have had and I am able to leave the sport that I love and the club that I love, in good health and on my own terms.

“I have been around the club for long enough to understand that not everyone is that lucky, and I feel that the time is right now to focus on that next chapter and of course, spending more time with Mary, with Max and with Grace. They, and Mary in particular, have put their lives on hold to enable me to perform and I couldn’t have done it without them. So now it’s about them and us all enjoying more time together.”

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/appearances-record-holder-devin-toner-retire/

Leinster Rugby head coach Leo Cullen has issued an injury update ahead of the URC clash with Connacht at The Sportsground on Saturday evening (KO 7.35pm – LIVE on RTE, Premier Sports and URC TV).

After missing the game against Ulster, Harry Byrne is due to train this week after recovering from a rib injury.

There’s also positive news for Ciarán Frawley who returns to training this week following a facial injury. His availability for this weekend is subject to further assessment throughout the week.

There are no further updates on: 

Andrew Porter (ankle), Jordan Larmour (hip), Will Connors (knee), James Ryan (concussion), Ryan Baird (back), Rónan Kelleher (shoulder), Conor O’Brien (hamstring) and Michael Milne (calf)

Yep all season with a calf injury. Must have been a serious tear off the bone.