Blaney itching to face French test

THE sight of French opposition this week is likely to spark one or two conflicting memories for Brian Blaney as Castres arrive in Dublin to take on Leinster in Pool Two.

Three seasons ago, the Terenure graduate was the province’s starting hooker as they claimed a famous Heineken Cup win away to Toulouse in a high-scoring quarter-final.

He was still the man in possession of the jersey by the end of the year before a rib injury early on in the game away to Agen opened the door for Bernard Jackman. His successor has since gone on to earn full international honours, while this season Blaney found himself third in the queue behind John Fogarty.