PICS: Devin Toner proves that even sporting stars had an awkward growing phase

At 6’10” Devin Toner is one of the most striking athletes in European rugby.

The giant lock is a stalwart of the Leinster team and part of the Ireland team that have won back-to-back Six Nations championships and have now set their sights on the World Cup in the Autumn.

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But as this great picture shows, he was once just a slightly awkward looking young lad with a dubious taste in sweatshirts.

Toner posted the picture on Instagram today and captioned it: “#tbt We’ve all been there!”

The picture should be mandatory viewing for insecure teenagers everywhere.

This shy-looking lad with chubby cheeks grew up into a title-winning professional athlete; anything is possible.