The roar of delight at the Aviva Stadium when towering lock Devin Toner leaped high to claim his first lineout said it all. After the disappointment of his World Cup omission, Toner was back in a green jersey and the home fans were thrilled to see him there as he made a 13-minute cameo in Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations victory over Scotland on Saturday. It was also a poignant moment for the 33-year-old who thought his days of representing his country were over before being recalled by head coach Andy Farrell. The Leinster man has now made 68 appearances for Ireland since making his debut in 2010 but he feared his 67th cap won against Wales last August might be his last. “Obviously after the World Cup, I didn’t think that I would be wearing green again,” Toner said. “To be able to get the jersey on again is brilliant for me. “I said it, I have put my hand up for selection as much as I can. If am selected, I am selected. If I’m not, I am happy with how I am playing. “Thank God, I got selected and came on and got another cap.” It was a tough 2019 for Toner. Despite his 6ft 11in frame Toner has rarely been hit by injury as he established himself as a prominent figure for Leinster and Ireland. But last year Toner damaged his ankle in the defeat to England in February before being ruled out of the Guinness PRO14 final against Glasgow Warriors in May with a knee injury.
