'It’s making sure that you have no regrets' - Scott Penny giving his all to earn Leinster place

Meanwhile, there was a welcome development on Tuesday for Leinster supporters with Ireland international Tommy O’Brien announced as one of three players to have committed their long-term futures to the province.

PENNY FOR SCOTT'S THOUGHTS: Scott Penny is keen to earn his place with Leinster. Pic: ©INPHO/Grace Halton

After making a strong contribution to their victory over Sale Sharks in the Aviva Stadium last Saturday, Scott Penny will be doing everything in his power to remain in the European Champions Cup frame for Leinster.

A few weeks on from his landmark 100th appearance in blue against Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship, openside flanker Penny was introduced as a replacement for Josh van der Flier on the stroke of 50 minutes last weekend with the eastern province holding a six-point advantage.

He proceeded to make the most of his time on the pitch, emerging as the game’s third highest tackler in an eventual 43-13 success for Leo Cullen’s men.

Leinster have now qualified for a sixth successive Champions Cup semi-final as a result and will be back in the Aviva on 2 May to face Toulon in the penultimate phase of the tournament.

Penny is eager to make the match day 23 for that particular encounter and knows producing big performances in the URC against Ulster in Belfast this Friday and eight days later away to Benetton – if selected – could significantly aid his cause.

“Obviously you want to have a big impact in a game, but also you don’t want to come in and be all hot headed. Give away penalties, to make mistakes. You need to fit in first, but you also want to bring some energy when you come on because obviously the lads had 50, 60 minutes and they’re probably out on their feet. You need to give them that burst of energy,” Penny remarked earlier this week.

“You want to be involved in as many games as possible. Especially in the Champions Cup. It’s the pinnacle of club rugby. Whenever you get a chance, you want to make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward and obviously you can do all you want for selection in terms of performances.

“It’s making sure that you have no regrets when the time comes for these big matches. Make sure you’ve done all you can. If you don’t get picked, you don’t get picked, but at least you’ve put your best foot forward.”

Meanwhile, there was a welcome development yesterday for Leinster supporters with Ireland international Tommy O’Brien announced as one of three players – Brian Deeny and Stephen Smyth (with his first senior deal) being the others – to have committed their long-term futures to the province by signing new contracts.