Of the four teams arriving in Bilbao for the rugby finals, Leinster is the only one repeating. The Irish squad not only participated in the Biscay capital in the 2018 edition but also holds a very fond memory of it, having secured the Champions Cup after defeating Racing 92 in a try-less match.
In other words, Leinster already knows what it's like to lift a title at San Mamés. However, the team then bears little resemblance to the one that will face Union Bordeaux-Bègles this Saturday. Although their coach, Leo Cullen, remains the same and he still retains 8 of the 23 players who were crowned champions in Bilbao.
Currently, Leinster seeks neither flair nor exhibition. They simply want to win. And if that requires suffocating the opponent with relentless pressure, they will do so.
The Irish team boasts the core of the 'Clover XV' in their ranks, the squad that won the Six Nations in 2023 and 2024. Therefore, even if the final seems slightly tilted in favor of Bordeaux-Bègles, Leinster should never be underestimated.
Going for the Fifth Star
Especially because this season, the Irish have proven their ability to endure and win even when not playing at their best. Thus, Leinster aims to shed the label of perennial finalist and finally add that fifth star to their jersey.
Indeed, Cullen's team has reached the final in four of the last five Champions Cup editions, but one must go back to 2018, to that match at San Mamés, to see them lift their last continental trophy.
