Toner's return a reward for persistence

Following his shock omission from the Irish squad for the World Cup in Japan in the Autumn, Devin Toner's return to the Irish squad for the forthcoming Six Nations is an award for persistence. 

No doubt fired up by the fact that Joe Schmidt had left him out of the squad for Japan the big Moynalvey man has put in a series of impressive displays for Leinster in recent outings - and he has been rewarded with a call-up to Andy Farrell's first squad for a Six Nations game. 

While many would not have expected to see Toner back in the green of Ireland he now has a real opportunity of featuring again as he seeks to resurrect his international career. 

The Meathman admitted he was "devastated" by the fact he was dropped by Schmidt and now he has a chance to add to his cap collection. 

He took the decision to leave him out of the World Cup squad on the chin and opted to do all he could to regain his place - and now he has received his reward for his determination in this the Autumn of his own career.  

The 33-year-old was an integral part of Schmidt's squads during the New Zealanders term in charge and helped Ireland win a Grand Slam and Six Nations championships. 

Former international Donncha O'Callaghan praised Toner for his refusal to give up on the cause. 

"The one for me that everyone chatted around Rugby World Cup is Devin Toner back in the squad," he said.

"This for me I think is a massive one because you really earn respect from players if you can take a blow like he had to miss out on the Rugby World Cup and bounce back, that's the mark of class."