Leinster name unchanged XV for Champions Cup final against Bordeaux

Leinster have kept faith with the same starting side that defeated Toulon for Saturday’s Champions Cup final against Bordeaux-Bègles, with Leo Cullen resisting changes to the XV for the showdown in Bilbao.

The selection means Leinster go into the decider with continuity in the starting lineup, although there are some notable calls elsewhere in the matchday squad.

Leinster Keep Same Starting Team For Bordeaux Final

Tommy O’Brien has been passed fit to start and is named in the back three alongside Rieko Ioane and Hugo Keenan. Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose continue in midfield, while Jamison Gibson-Park partners Harry Byrne at half-back.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson start in the front row, with Joe McCarthy and James Ryan in the second row. The back row sees Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier and captain Caelan Doris retained from the Toulon win.

Tadhg Furlong Returns To Leinster Bench

Tadhg Furlong is back among the replacements, providing a timely boost for Leinster ahead of the final. Paddy McCarthy has also been included on the bench after being registered in Leinster’s European squad during the week, marking his first involvement since January.

There is no place in the matchday 23 for either Sam Prendergast or James Lowe, two of the more eye-catching omissions from the final squad.

Bordeaux Receive Boost For Bilbao Showpiece

Bordeaux have also been handed positive news with Louis Bielle-Biarrey passed fit to start. He is part of a dangerous backline that includes Maxime Lucu, Matthieu Jalibert, Yoram Moefana, Damian Penaud, Pablo Uberti and Salesi Rayasi.

Up front, Jefferson Poirot returns at loosehead after missing the semi-final, joining Maxime Lamothe and Carlu Sadie in the front row. Bordeaux’s pack is completed by Boris Palu, Adam Coleman, Cameron Woki, Marko Gazzotti and Pierre Bochaton.

Team line up:

Leinster: Keenan; O'Brien, Ringrose, Henshaw, Ioane; Byrne, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Clarkson; McCarthy, Ryan; Conan, van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Reserves: Kelleher, McCarthy, Furlong, Mangan, Deegan, McGrath, Frawley, Osborne.

Bordeaux Begles: Rayasi; Uberti, Penaud, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Lucu (capt); Poirot, Lamothe, Sadie; Palu, Coleman; Bochaton, Woki, Gazzotti.

Reserves: Barlot, Boniface, Tameifuna, Swinton, Matiu, Vergnes-Taillefer, Retiere, Reu.