Big Moynalvey man can now create his own piece of history

Like a marathon runner who makes it to the finishing line Devin Toner finally equalled the record number of appearances (261) for Leinster previously set by Gordon D'Arcy when he lined out for the Blues against the Ospreys in tonight's PRO 14 game at the RDS.

However the big personal milestone for the player was not matched by a win as the Welsh side stormed to a 24-19 victory after trailing 3-19 early in the second-half. It was a rare defeat for Leinster in this competition.

Leinster led 12-3 at the break and early in the second-half Harry Byrne broke through for a try converted by Ciaran Frawley to firmly put the home side on the road to victory - or so most people watching would have thought but the battling Ospreys had other ideas.

Toner had been named in the starting 15 and once the whistle blew to start the game he equalled the record of 261 appearances that had been previously set by D'Arcy back in 2015.

Another Meath player, Hugh O'Sullivan, also featured in the entertaining encounter coming off the bench to take up his customary scrum-half position but he couldn't save his team either.

All eyes were on Toner at the start of tonight's game and the fact he was equalling the record.

The giant lock made his debut against Border Reivers in January 2006 and has since gone on to enjoy a fine career. He has also earned 70 Irish caps and was part of four Leinster teams that won the European Champions Cup.

Now the question is can Toner go on and set his own record of Leinster appearances and there's no reason why he can't do just that. Next Saturday (27th March) the Blues takes on Munster in the PRO 14 final and the big Moynalvey man could feature in that - and perhaps mark the occasion with a victory.