Blaney relishing return as Leinster face Blues

THANKS to the vagaries of the rugby calendar, one man’s promotion to the national side can leave his club shirt more exposed, which is exactly the case as Brian Blaney fills in for Bernard Jackman as Leinster’s hooker this week.

Having featured in both of Ireland’s Six Nations games so far, Jackman will be on R&R on Saturday when his province take on Cardiff in a crucial Magners League tie at the RDS, and Blaney is relishing his opportunity. Two years ago, it was Blaney who had first claims on the number two shirt but possession began to swing Jackman’s way last season and he has consolidated his grip this year.

Blaney has featured in all but three of Leinster’s game but the overwhelming majority have been as a replacement for Jackman, always inside the last quarter and quite often with only a handful of minutes to play.