Leinster face nervy wait ahead of Champions Cup Final
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Leinster’s quest to finally end their Champions Cup heartbreak has been handed an early setback ahead of Saturday’s Final against Bordeaux-Bègles at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.
Head coach Leo Cullen revealed that Tommy O’Brien might be unavailable for the crucial showdown on Saturday.
The 27-year-old is set to undergo further assessment after being withdrawn from the matchday squad for the 68-14 United Rugby Championship win over the Ospreys at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
The Ireland back sustained a knock during training.
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Leinster are also monitoring the fitness of Brian Deeny, Joshua Kenny and Paddy McCarthy, with decisions on their availability expected later in the week.
Meanwhile, Hugh Cooney sustained an injury at the weekend and will be unavailable for the rest of the season.
There are no further updates on Ryan Baird, Jack Boyle, Will Connors, RG Snyman and Charlie Tector.
Despite the growing injury concerns, Leinster remain fully focused on ending an eight-year wait for European glory.
The Irish giants are chasing a fifth Champions Cup title but have endured a painful run of near misses in recent seasons. Since lifting the trophy in 2018, Leinster have lost four Finals – against Saracens in 2019, La Rochelle in both 2022 and 2023, and Toulouse in 2024.
For senior figures within the squad, those defeats have provided painful lessons but also valuable experience heading into another defining European occasion.
Ireland international Garry Ringrose believes Leinster’s previous disappointments can help sharpen their focus as they prepare for another shot at continental success.
“I’ve been lucky and privileged to be involved in all the big matches,” Ringrose told reporters.
“I’ve learned valuable lessons, some more painful than others. However, all of the finals were close games and decided by fine margins.
“From previous experience, the lessons are about focusing on the preparations and working as hard as we can to ultimately go all in on the game.
“We can’t control the game or the outcome, but we need to prepare as best we can.”
