Leo Cullen hails new Devin Toner deal as great news for province

Devin Toner's signature for Leinster for the next two years is a statement from Leinster according to former Irish secondrow and the province's forwards coach Leo Cullen.

Toner, who made his debut for Leinster in 2006 and played his first match for Ireland in 2010, may not be available for Leinster in their derby match against Munster at the weekend because of an Irish training camp.

As yet the provinces do not know what Irish players will be released by Joe Schmidt for the game in Thomond Park

“It’s great news,” said Cullen. “Dev is such a key part of what we do here. I’ve worked very closely with Dev over the past number of years and he’s grown into himself as a character.

“Sometimes it takes a bit longer for guys to mature into their bodies. He’s a lot of experience now of playing games and he’s a start for Ireland. A few guys, I know, have been out injured, but he’s established himself at that highest level.

“So yeah he’s a key guy for us and it’s a great announcement for Leinster that he wants to stay here. It’s a good statement that he wants to stay here and he sees himself as part of Leinster for the next couple of years.”

With regard to Kevin McLaughlin, his injured shoulder will be scanned and he will meet with a consultant to determine the damage. Leinster does not have a time scale for him to be back playing.

Fergus McFadden, who injured his thumb and has not played for some weeks, is also with the Irish in camp. He is very close to being fit to line out but again his availability to play against Munster will be determined by Irish management.