Marmion keen to test himself against best

Connacht scrum-half Kieran Marmion is one of several young players looking to prove a point against his more illustrious Leinster opponents in tonight’s Sportsground fixture.

A member of the Ireland extended squad since the summer tour to North America, Marmion has yet to win an international cap, but reckons tonight’s match is a real opportunity to stake a claim.

“I would say they [Leinster backs] are getting on a bit. A lot of them are in their thirties, so that’s getting on in rugby terms. Most of them have been there and done it, so to test ourselves against them at this stage in their careers is a good opportunity. Obviously they will be moving in a few years’ time and there will be spaces for people who put their hands up, so no better stage than tonight for us to do so.”