IRELAND AND LEINSTER lock Devin Toner has been named to start in the second row for the Barbarians against Spain in what will be his final game before retirement.
The 35-year-old made his last Leinster appearance in May as he came off the bench in a URC win over Munster and now gets set to bid farewell to professional rugby when he features for the invitational Barbarians team in Gijón on Saturday night [KO 8pm Irish time].
Barbarians head coach John Mulvihill has named Toner in the second row alongside Tonga and London Irish lock Steve Mafi for this weekend’s clash with Los Leones.
Toner is joined in the pack by Leinster loosehead prop Ed Byrne, who has six Ireland to his name, while wing Adam Byrne – who is leaving Leinster for Connacht this summer – starts in the number 11 shirt.
The team is captained by ex-Wales international Hadleigh Parkes and includes powerful number eight Abraham Papali’i, who is on his way to Brive from Connacht ahead of next season.
Former England back row Tom Wood will also play his last game before retirement, while ex-All Blacks tighthead Charlie Faumuina offers lots of experience in the front row.
Barbarians (v Spain):
- 15. Tim Nanai-Williams
- 14. Owen Lane
- 13. Rey Lee-Lo
- 12 Hadleigh Parkes (captain)
- 11. Adam Byrne
- 10. Ryno Smith
- 9. Sébastien Bézy
- 1. Ed Byrne
- 2. Scott Baldwin
- 3. Charlie Faumuina
- 4. Devin Toner
- 5. Steve Mafi
- 6. Tom Wood
- 7. James Botham
- 8. Abraham Papali’i
Replacements:
- 16. Kirby Myhill
- 17. Allan Dell
- 18. Scott Andrews
- 19. Joe Tekori
- 20. Rob Harley
- 21. Dan Baker
- 22. Mathis Galthié
- 23. Ahsee Tuala
North Kildare socks please Dev
@kieran horgan: ….yeah, not the worst colours ever put together
Great to see an Irish presence in the squad this week . Last week was the French barbarians.
Great to see Adam Byrne get a shot , Leinster didn’t do him any favours the last while with game time , hopefully he kicks on in Connacht next season
@Michael Uzice: he’s been injured on and off for a long time.
@Michael Uzice: He’s always injured plus he’s had some very good wingers ahead of him James Lowe, Jordan Larmour, Jimmy O’Brien, Rory O’Loughlin who have all been fit
@Chris Mc: granted he has had his injury set backs but a great player when fit Chris .
@Harry O’Callaghan: I’m not disputing who’s ahead of him in pecking order all I’m pointing out is that Leinster management didnt give him much game time lately and he was not injured .
No funny business out of number 1 hopefully!
“Can I play Fly half?”
“Sure, Devin. Sure.”
@Mick O’Shea: I’m wondering if hel try to back heel a conversion.
@Mick O’Shea: Lol!… Shin kick into the car park
@James Daly: I’m hoping he’s practicing his drop-kicks this week :)
Class
Wonder if he’ll win a lineout…against Spain….God love them. They can only hope he’s a long night out