History beckons for giant lock

Next Friday night, 19th March, could prove to be very significant for Devin Toner who is on the cusp of making a piece of history.

Last night Toner came on as a second-half substitute as Leinster defeated Zebre 48-31 in the PRO14 at Parma and earned his 260th cap for the province.

Toner now needs just one more appearance to match Gordon D'Arcy's record of 261 caps. Next Friday night Leinster are scheduled to play the Ospreys at home and Toner could make an appearance in that game and match the record.

It would be another monumental milestone for the big Meath lock forward who has enjoyed a remarkable career at club and international level.

He has won 70 Irish caps and also helped Leinster to European Champions Cup glory. He has also become one of the province's best known and consistent players since making his first appearance in the blue jersey in January 2006.

There is every liklihood the 34-year-old Toner will surpass the milestone and become the most capped player in Leinster's history as the Blues have a number of games still to play this season including the PRO14 final against Munster on Saturday 27th March.

David Kearney scored a hat-trick of tries in last night's big win over Zebre with Cian Kelleher, Dan Sheehan (two) and Luke McGrath also getting touchdowns. Harry Byrne hit four conversions and a penalty while another Meath player Hugh O'Sullivan also made an appearance from off the bench and converted one of the tries.