r/leinsterrugby

Turning Bilbao Blue

I don’t know how you are doing, but I’ve got a mix of giddy excitement and deep dread ahead of the weekend. We’re really going to be up against it with Bordeaux, a great team with great fans. This match is not a home game for them, but I think we can expect that the Bordeaux fans will outnumber us by 3 or 4 to 1 based on the proximity of Bilbao.

I’ve been thinking about the impact we as fans can have to push the team and extra half a percent, we have to be noisy and we have to be visible. Let’s turn the town blue!

I was thinking that we can fill the streets around the stadium with blue smoke to add colour and let them know we’re there. There’s a couple of fireworks shops in San Sebastián that sell ‘bote de humo azul’; that are used for gender reveals etc, I’ll be getting some, but the more the merrier !

I think a lot of us should try to be at the stadium to meet the team of the bus and show them that we’re there and that we’re noisy. Do we know what time roughly that would be and the entrance the route they will be taking?

With the signing and chants; the easy ones work for aviva when it’s a lot of the fair weather fans , but with a few more of the regular season ticket holders going…. Let’s get the ‘boys in blue going, ‘Allez les bleus!’ to confuse the French fans, and maybe a rendition or two of Molly Malone :)

Have a great weekend everyone, it’s wonderful to be back in another final… these are special days that we should savour

Allez Les Bleus!!!!

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u/Beginning_Finance997 — 16 hours ago

Final thoughts

To all my fellow blues drowning in a sea of negativity around our chances on Saturday, here's a few idle musings...........

Bordeaux, in their 24, top 14 games, have 14 wins and lost 10 times. They have scored a total of 769 points and conceded 658 (32-27) mean. As the top 14 table stands today, during the season, they have only beaten one team above them (they are 5th) and that was Toulouse (1st) at home in week 19, 6 games ago.

They were beaten home and away by Montpellier (2nd) Pau(3rd) and Stade Francis (4th) during the season.

In their last 5 games since beating Toulouse at home, they have 3 wins and 2 defeats with a mean score over the 5 games of 26 31 against them.

Whilst they have outstanding world class on their team, I think a lot of the negativity around Leinsters chances go back to Irelands' performance against France during the 6 nations ,which was very unfortunate due to a myriad of circumstances.

Let me know your thoughts???

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Leinster Senior Squad 26-27 Season

This is a projected Leinster senior squad for next season, age as of 26th of September when the season begins:

LH Prop
Peter Dooley(32/Birr RFC/Lansdowne) - projected
Andrew Porter(30/St. Andrews/UCD) - central contract until 2027
Jack Boyle(24/St. Michaels/UCD) - signed contract in 2026
Paddy McCarthy(23/Blackrock/DUFC) - signed contract in 2026
Alex Usanov(21/Belvedere/Clontarf) - signed contract in 2025.

TH Prop
Tadhg Furlong(33/New Ross RFC/Clontarf) - central contract until 2027
Tom Clarkson(26/Blackrock/DUFC) - signed contract in 2026.
Andrew Sparrow(21/St. Marys/St. Marys) - projected
Niall Smyth(21/Blackrock/Clontarf) - signed contract in 2025.

Hooker
Ronan Kelleher(28/St. Michaels/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2026.
Dan Sheehan(28/Clongowes/Lansdowne) - central contact until 2029
Gus McCarthy(23/Blackrock/UCD) - signed contract in 2025
Stephen Smyth(22/Kilkenny/Old Wesley) - signed contract in 2026.

Lock
RG Snyman(31/South Africa) - contract ends in 2027
James Ryan(30/St. Michaels/UCD) - central contract until 2028
Brian Deeny(26/Wexford RFC/Clontarf) - signed contract in 2026
Joe McCarthy(25/Blackrock/DUFC) - central contract until 2028.
Conor O'Tighearnaigh(23/St. Michaels/UCD) - signed contract in 2026.
Diarmuid Mangan(23/Newbridge/UCD)- signed contract in 2025.

Backrow
Jack Conan(34/St. Gerards/Old Belvedere) - signed contract in 2025.
Max Deegan(29/St. Michaels/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2026.
Caelan Doris(28/Blackrock/St Marys) - central contract until in 2027.
Ryan Baird(27/St. Michaels/DUFC) - signed contract in 2025.
Alex Soroka(25/Belvedere/Clontarf) - signed contract in 2026.
James Culhane(23/Blackrock/UCD) - signed contract in 2026.

Openside
Josh Van Der Flier(33/Wesley/UCD) - central contract until 2028
Scott Penny(27/St. Michaels/UCD) - signed contract in 2026.

Scrumhalf
Jamison Gibson Park(34) - central contract until 2028
Cormac Foley(26/St. Gerards/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2026.
Fintan Gunne(23/St. Michaels/Terenure) - signed contract in 2025.

Outhalf
Joey Carbery(30/Athy RFC/Clontarf) - projected
Harry Byrne(27/St. Michaels/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2026.
Sam Prendergast(23/Newbridge/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2025.

Centre
Robbie Henshaw(33/Marist/Buccaneers) - central contact until 2028.
Garry Ringrose(31/Blackrock/UCD) - central contact until 2028.
Jamie Osborne(24/Naas RFC/Naas) - signed contract in 2025.
Charlie Tector(24/Kilkenny/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2025.
Hugh Cooney(23/Blackrock/Clontarf) - signed contract in 2025.

Back Three
James Lowe(34) - projected
Hugo Keenan(30/Blackrock/UCD) - signed central contract until 2028.
Jimmy O'Brien(29/Newbridge/UCD) - signed contract in 2025.
Jordan Larmour(28/St. Andrews/St. Marys) - signed contract in 2026.
Tommy O'Brien(28/Blackrock/UCD) - signed contract in 2026.
Andrew Osborne(23/Naas RFC/UCD) - signed contract in 2025
Joshua Kenny(23/Pres Bray/Terenure) - signed contract in 2026.

reddit.com
u/SlowWay5886 — 2 days ago

URC 26/27 Fixture List

Released today:

ROUND 1

 

SATURDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER

 

Lions v Leinster Rugby
Ellis Park, Johannesburg, KO 12.30 IRE & UK / 13.30 ITA & SA
Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, TG4, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 2

 

SATURDAY, 3 OCTOBER

 

Hollywoodbets Sharks v Leinster Rugby
Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban, KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA & SA
Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 3

 

SATURDAY, 10 OCTOBER

 

Leinster Rugby v Cardiff
Laya Arena, Dublin, KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Live on: TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 4

 

SATURDAY, 24 OCTOBER

 

Leinster Rugby v Munster Rugby
TBC, Dublin, KO 18.00 IRE & UK / 19.00 ITA & SA
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 5

 

FRIDAY, 30 OCTOBER

 

Connacht Rugby v Leinster Rugby
Dexcom Stadium, Galway, KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Live on: TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 6

 

FRIDAY, 4 DECEMBER

 

Ospreys v Leinster Rugby
St. Helen’s, Swansea, KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Live on: S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 7

 

SATURDAY, 19 DECEMBER

 

Leinster Rugby v Glasgow Warriors
Laya Arena, Dublin, KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA & SA
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 8

 

SUNDAY, 27 DECEMBER

 

Munster Rugby v Leinster Rugby
Thomond Park, Limerick, KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Live on: TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 9

 

SATURDAY, 2 JANUARY

 

Leinster Rugby v Ulster Rugby
Laya Arena, Dublin, KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 10

 

SATURDAY, 23 JANUARY

 

Leinster Rugby v Dragons
Laya Arena, Dublin, KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA & SA
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 11

 

SATURDAY, 30 JANUARY

 

Leinster Rugby v Vodacom Bulls
Laya Arena, Dublin, KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA & SA
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 12

 

SATURDAY, 27 FEBRUARY

 

Edinburgh v Leinster Rugby
Hive Stadium, Edinburgh, KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 13

 

SATURDAY, 20 MARCH

 

Leinster Rugby v Benetton
Laya Arena, Dublin, KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Live on: TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 14

 

FRIDAY, 26 MARCH

 

Scarlets v Leinster Rugby
Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli, KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Live on: S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, TG4, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 15

 

SATURDAY, 17 APRIL

 

Leinster Rugby v Connacht Rugby
Laya Arena, Dublin, KO 17.45 IRE & UK / 18.45 ITA & SA
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 16

 

FRIDAY, 23 APRIL

 

Ulster Rugby v Leinster Rugby
Affidea Stadium, Belfast, KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 17

 

SATURDAY, 8 MAY

 

Leinster Rugby v DHL Stormers
Laya Arena, Dublin, KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

 

ROUND 18

 

SATURDAY, 15 MAY

 

Zebre Parma v Leinster Rugby
Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma, KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA & SA
Live on: Sky Italia, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby, URC.tv

u/Admirable_Olive_5039 — 3 days ago

Bringing Blue Flags to Bilbao

Hi folks - does anyone know if we can bring the blue flags (that are usually on display in Dublin) through Dublin airport? Travelling independently i.e. not going on any charter.

I recall seeing years ago they were cleared but don't know if it's still ok. Or maybe someone knows whether the OLSC will be handing some out while over there?

I tried contacting them on their socials but I don't think they're set up to receive DMs...

Big time looking forward to this week, hopefully a good atmosphere for our lads.

reddit.com
u/paulieod1 — 3 days ago

Injury Update

Tommy O’Brien is due to be further assessed after withdrawing from the matchday squad for Saturday’s 68-14 win over Ospreys and a decision on his availability will be made later in the week.

Brian Deeny, Joshua Kenny and Paddy McCarthy are all due to be further assessed with a decision on their availability to be made later in the week.

Hugh Cooney sustained a 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.

Both TOB and Paddy McCarthy pictured training today. Hopefully both available.

reddit.com
u/Admirable_Olive_5039 — 4 days ago

Team for Final?

Porter Sheehan Clarkson

Ryan Mccarthy

Conan VDF

Doris

JGP Harry

Osborne Ringrose

Lowe TOB

Keenan

Kelleher Mccarthy Furlong Mangan Penny McGrath Frawley Ioane

Think this is the best team. Lowe comes back in, was never a doubt in my mind. Ioane been decent but no chance he starts ahead of Lowe in a Leinster shirt. Henshaw misses out but don’t think it’s that’s harsh. Osborne just gives us far more in attack than Henshaw. If we go into this game with a defensive mindset rather than one to attack the game we will lose, and possibly comfortably.

Paddy Mccarthy back off the bench for the final 20 minutes would be massive, just needs to come on and start bursting lads on both sides of the ball. I think Clarkson deserves to start ahead of Furlong but I also think it’s important you have some experience coming off the bench also which Furlong gives.

Mangan and TOB are hopefully fit. Mangan and Penny on form deserve to be there. Cullen needs to trust them to come on and add impact, he has an awful awful habit of not trusting players to come on and impact finals, like Frawley getting 0 minutes in both those finals in 2022 and 2023.

If we can get a bench like that would be first time in a while we have had such a strong bench to come on

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u/UniqueAd9134 — 4 days ago

The General Rugby Internet

Did you hear Leinster committed war crimes today? And that it's a "terrible look for the URC"

u/BigLarBelmont — 5 days ago

We've peaked at the right time this season

Lessons learned from last year, home QF, home SF and the final won't be played at Scotstoun

u/Acadia-Novel — 5 days ago
▲ 1 r/leinsterrugby+4 crossposts

Plane Tickets for Sale

I hope this is OK to post here. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it to Bilbao for the Champions Cup final as I’ve been quite ill, so I’m looking to sell my flights to another supporter who might otherwise miss out on the trip.

Flights can be sold together or separately:

✈️ Dublin → Bilbao — Tuesday 19 May

✈️ Bilbao → Dublin — Wednesday 27 May

Looking for €400 plus the airline name change fee.

Would genuinely love if these helped another fan make the trip and enjoy what should be a special occasion. Comment if interested.

reddit.com
u/ZestycloseAd289 — 5 days ago
▲ 184 r/leinsterrugby+1 crossposts

Passing my local laundrette, and look who I met, Leo getting all glammed up for Bilbao

u/Penny0034 — 6 days ago