Kearney moves uprankings

When Dave Kearney looks back on hisprofessional career, he will likely recall the current campaign as being his breakthrough year. The only question now is how much better a memorable season can become before it ends.

His 19 Leinster appearances, which included a first in the Heineken Cup, have more than doubled his previous haul and his international aspirations were heightened by a place on the bench for the Six Nations opener against Wales.

The late withdrawal of Keith Earls allowed Kearney move up the pecking order but the long-term neck injury afflicting Luke Fitzgerald has done much to open up a succession of doors.