Byrne reaches milestone

"Obviously it's a huge personal honour to reach the 50 cap mark in the Heineken Cup. I'm proud and delighted to reach this milestone. It's nice for me and for my family, but I'd also like to credit all of my team-mates, my coaches and all those who have supported me throughout my career with Leinster.

"Playing for Leinster means the world to me and I still get the same buzz each and every time I step out on the field in a blue jersey, be it at away from home, in Donnybrook or this weekend in Lansdowne Road. The supporters have always been hugely supportive and we all appreciate their backing."

The 33-year-old hooker, who scored a try in Leinster's 25-9 victory over Treviso last weekend, is looking forward to a huge challenge against a team who finished top of the Zurich Premiership last season.

"Bath have a great tradition with plenty of experience both on and off the field with players of the calibre of Jonathan Humphreys, Olly Barkley, Mike Tindall, Robbie Fleck, Danny Grewcock, Steve Borthwick etc etc so they'll have no fear coming over to Lansdowne Roadafter a good win last weekend against Bourgoin.

"But in saying that we started off the campaign with a decent performance in Trevisoand I'd like to thank all those who really made themselves seen and heard in Italy last weekend."

Leinster Director of Rugby Declan Kidney added: "To reach 50 caps is a huge accomplishment given the demands of professional rugby. Shane is an outstanding ambassador for the game and I would like to congratulate him, on behalf of everyone involved in Leinster Rugby, on this fine achievement."