Toner stands tall in terms of talent too

If Devin Toner had a euro for every time he's been asked about playing the piano, then he'd probably be in a position to place a sizeable down payment on a Steinway. The fascination seems to stem from the dynamics associated with the positioning of his 6ft 10in frame.

Given his height, he's used to standing out and is also aware of people's preoccupation with his physique. There's a certain expectation that accompanies it for the 21-year-old rugby player in the lineout. But to focus on this single facet of the game is to do him a disservice.

He's a good athlete, mobile, with excellent hands. Last season he flirted with the Leinster team as an academy prospect: now he's expected to consolidate his position in the squad. The former Castleknock College schoolboy and underage international has a list of personal goals and also those imposed by Leinster coach Michael Cheika.

Toner admitted: "From a personal perspective, I want to break into the first team and get as many games as possible. I understand there's huge competition with Leo Cullen returning and Malcolm (O'Kelly) and Trevor (Hogan) already established."

Hogan's injury has thrust Toner up the pecking order and he's included in the extended squad for Friday night's game against Ulster. Already this season, he's started against Glasgow and twice come on as a replacement.

"Against Glasgow I got the opportunity to call the lineout and while I made a couple of mistakes with the first two, I got into my stride after that.

"If I was being honest, I wasn't happy with my performance that day. I made two or three mistakes but overall it wasn't too bad. Last year I did get game time but this season I feel more comfortable. I'm not as shy and feel a bit better about speaking up."

Cheika has explained to Toner the aspects of his game that need improving, primarily in the scrum and his close contact work. Toner is happy with the remit while conscious that his athleticism and ability out of touch mustn't be compromised.

He's in his final year of a sports management degree at UCD and while a dissertation is required next semester, his primary focus is on rugby.

Promising young players tend to have mixed views about being considered the future, preferring the immediacy of the present. In Hogan's absence Toner is likely to be afforded an opportunity to showcase his development.

And just for clarification: he completed all the grades for piano while at school, but hasn't played in about four years. "At this point I don't think I'd be able to play very much," he smiled. Toner would very much prefer to do his entertaining on the pitch.