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Leinster Rugby
Founded1879; 145 years ago (1879)
LocationDublin, Ireland
Ground(s)RDS Arena
(Capacity: 18,500)
Aviva Stadium
(Capacity: 51,700)
Coach(es)Leo Cullen
Captain(s)Caelan Doris
Most appearancesCian Healy (285)
Top scorerJohnny Sexton (1,646)
Most triesShane Horgan (69)
League(s)United Rugby Championship
2023–24Semi-finals
1st Irish Shield
(3rd overall)
1st kit
2nd kit
3rd kit
Official website
www.leinsterrugby.ie

Leinster Rugby (Irish: Rugbaí Laighean) is one of the four professional provincial club rugby union teams from the island of Ireland. They compete in the United Rugby Championship and the European Rugby Champions Cup.

Leinster play their home games primarily at the RDS Arena, although larger games are played in the Aviva Stadium when the capacity of the RDS is insufficient.[1] Before moving to the RDS in 2005, Leinster's traditional home ground was Donnybrook Stadium, in Dublin 4. The province plays primarily in blue with white or yellow trim and the team crest features a harp within a rugby ball, the harp being an ancient symbol of the province found in and taken from the flag of Leinster, although the traditional colours of Leinster Rugby mean the design more resembles the flag of the president of Ireland or the coat of arms of Ireland.

Leinster turned professional along with its fellow Irish provinces in 1995 and has competed in the United Rugby Championship (formerly known as the Celtic League, Magners League and the Pro12 / Pro14) since it was founded in 2001, having previously competed in the annual Irish interprovincial championship.[2]

History

[edit]

Founding (1879–1899)

[edit]

The Leinster Branch was inaugurated at a meeting on 31 October 1879. The meeting was held at Lawrence's premises at 63 Grafton Street and was largely attended. Although this was the formal founding of Leinster as we know it today, with the amalgamation of the Irish Football Union and the Northern Union, the Leinster provincial team had been active since 1879 – when the first interprovincial derby was played against Ulster. The Leinster and Ulster teams also made up the representative Irish team that competed against England in Ireland's first-ever international in 1875. Upon the founding of the union, Munster were also added to the fray in 1879, when their first provincial team was selected and first Munster players represented Ireland.[3][4]

F. Kennedy (Wanderers) was elected first Hon. Secretary of the Branch and C.B. Croker (Lansdowne) first Hon. Treasurer.

The function of the Branch was to organise the game of rugby football in the province. Every year five representatives would be selected to join the IRFU Committee. They would be known as the "Leinster Five" and would pick the Leinster representative teams.

The first Interprovincial matches between Leinster, Ulster and Munster were held in 1875. At this time the matches were played with 20 players a side. Leinster lost to Ulster by a converted try and beat Munster by one goal to nil. Since then there has been a match between these teams annually, with Connacht joining the fold in 1885.

Leinster Schools Interprovincial matches have been taking place since 1888. Leinster Schools beat the Ulster Schools in Belfast on Saturday 7 April by a dropped goal to a try. Their first match against Munster Schools took place on 18 March 1899, when Leinster won by two tries to one.

Amateur period (1900–1990s)

[edit]

The early 1920s led to the creation of the Provincial Towns Cup and the Metropolitan Cup, which are still hard-fought competitions in the Leinster Rugby calendar. Much has changed in rugby over the years, but the original idea of Leinster Club Rugby acting as a feeder for the Leinster Interprovincial side, though now professional, still stands true.

All Interprovincial matches were abandoned during the years of the Great War (1914–1918) and the War period (1939–1945), though unofficial matches were played.[5]

The first major touring side to play Leinster was a team drawn from the New Zealand Army – the Kiwis, in 1946. Although it was not an official touring side organised by the New Zealand Rugby Union, the quality of the match, which was drawn 10 points each, is still remembered to this day.[5]

The first official overseas touring side that came to play Leinster was an Australian touring side in 1957.[5] Since then, Leinster has played against every major touring side from Fiji to France.[5]

Before the days of professional rugby union, there was further emphasis on Irish club rugby as opposed to the provincial game. During these times the provincial sides were purely representative sides and games were far less frequent than now. Between 1946 and 2002 the sides would meet annually to contest the Irish Interprovincial Championship and on rare occasions would be tested against touring international sides. When rugby union was declared 'open' in 1995, these four teams became the four professional teams run by the Irish Rugby Football Union and therefore much of the history of the side has been made in the modern era.

Leinster Lions (1990s–2005)

[edit]
Leo the Leinster Lion, team mascot

Leinster became a professional outfit in the mid-1990s. The "Leinster Lions" name came into existence during the 2001–02 season as the result of a joint marketing initiative between Leinster Rugby and its kit sponsors, the Canterbury Clothing Company. Before the start of the 2004–05 season, the 'Lions' was dropped from the name. It is still used for marketing and branding, in particular, the Cubs Club for Junior members of Leinster Rugby.[6] The Leinster mascot is "Leo the Lion". It was also during this time that the song “Molly Malone” became a match fixture to be sung by the fans.[7]

Leinster's first season in the newly formed Celtic League ended in success as the Lions were crowned the inaugural champions, beating rivals Munster Rugby in the 2001–02 final.[8] In 2002–03, they became only the third team in the history of the European Cup to win all their games in pool play. They also went one step further in the playoffs than the previous season by reaching the semi-finals (for the first time since 1995–96), but lost at home against French side Perpignan, which was accompanied by an unsuccessful season in the Celtic League. The 2003–04 season also ended in disappointment as Leinster slumped to their worst ever league performance and failed to qualify from their European Cup group.

Title misses (2004–2007)

[edit]

Leinster improved during the 2004–05 season, finishing 3rd, just three points behind the eventual winners, the Ospreys.[9] Leinster also won all of their pool games in that year's European Cup, and were again among the favourites for the title, however they went out at the quarter final stage to Leicester Tigers.[10]

The next two seasons of the Celtic League were to end in near misses for Leinster, as they lost out on the 2005–06 and 2006–07 league titles on the final day of the season. These seasons also saw progress in the European Cup. In 2005–06, Leinster progressed to the semi-final but were eliminated by Irish rivals Munster at Lansdowne Road and they reached the quarter-final the following year where they were beaten by eventual winners London Wasps.

European and domestic dominance (2008–2014)

[edit]

Increasing attendances at Leinster games led to a move across Dublin 4 from Donnybrook Stadium to the redeveloped RDS Arena.

In 2007–08, Leinster failed to qualify from their European Cup pool, but did end the season as Celtic League champions, sealing the title with a 41–8 victory over the Newport Gwent Dragons in front of their home fans at the RDS.[11]

In the 2008–09 season, Leinster topped their European Cup pool despite away losses to French side Castres and English side Wasps.[12] Victory over Harlequins in the quarter-finals followed, despite the Bloodgate Scandal. Leinster overcame Munster 25–6 in a semi-final in Dublin's Croke Park that broke the world record attendance for a club rugby union game with a crowd of over 82,200.[13] Leinster won the 2009 European Cup Final in Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, beating Leicester Tigers 19–16 to claim their first European crown.[14]

The RDS Arena before the 2010 Celtic League Final

In 2009–10 Leinster was eliminated from the European Cup at the semi-final stage by eventual winners Toulouse. Also despite having topped the Pro12 league during the regular season, Leinster lost the first-ever Play-off Final 17–12 on their home ground to the Ospreys.[15]

In the 2010–11 European Cup, Leinster defeated the top English teams (Leicester Tigers, Saracens & Northampton Saints), as well as top French sides, Toulouse (who were the defending European champions), Racing Metro & Clermont Auvergne, (the French Champions).[16] to go on to regain their title as champions of Europe in the 2011 European Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Trailing at half time, Leinster scored 27 unanswered points in the second half to beat Northampton 33–22 and claim their second European crown with the biggest comeback in European Cup final history.[17][18] Leinster were also chasing a Pro12 & European Cup double, but lost 19–9 to Irish rivals Munster in the Pro12 Final.[19]

In 2011–12 Leinster became only the second side ever to retain the title of European Champions. Leinster emerged unbeaten in group play to top their group[20] and went on to defeat the Cardiff Blues 34–3 in the quarterfinals,[21] followed by a 19–15 semifinal victory over ASM Clermont Auvergne.[22] and defeated Ulster in the first all-Irish final 42–14, recording the most points scored and the most tries scored in a European Cup final as well as becoming the first unbeaten side to win the European Cup.[23] Once again, Leinster targeted the double, and faced a repeat of the 2010 Pro12 final against the Ospreys. Leinster's domestic title challenge fell at the final hurdle, conceding a final minute try to slump to a one-point defeat, and unable to complete the double despite topping the table in the regular season.[24]

The 2012–13 campaign proved to be another successful season for Leinster Rugby. The club finished in second place during the regular season of the Pro12 and defeated Glasgow Warriors by a score of 17–15 in their semi-final play-off match on 11 May 2013.[25] On 17 May, Leinster were crowned champions of the European Challenge Cup after defeating Stade Français 34–13 in the final at their home ground, the RDS Arena.[26] Leinster successfully completed the double on 25 May, defeating Ulster 24–18 in the Pro12 final to claim their third league championship.[27][28]

Leinster continued their success in the 2013–14 season by becoming the first team ever to defend the Pro12 title, topping the league in the regular season and defeating Glasgow Warriors 34–12 in their fifth consecutive Pro12 play-off final and also secured their seventh major title in as many years.[29]

Blooding a new generation (2015–2017)

[edit]

Following a remarkable run of seven major trophies in seven years, Leinster's title run came to an end following the 2013–14 season. The 2014–15 season saw a dip in form, with Leinster finishing in fifth place in the league and failing to make the play-offs. Fortunes in the newly formed Champions Cup were better, with the team reaching the semi-final where they were defeated in extra-time by eventual winners, Toulon. At the end of the season, head coach Matt O'Connor left the club by mutual consent with former club captain, Leo Cullen, being named as his replacement. Cullen then brought in ex-England coach Stuart Lancaster as senior coach at the start of the 2016–17 season, which saw a huge improvement from Leinster as well a big group of young players coming through. Despite playing brilliant rugby all season, Leinster failed to win any silverware, falling short in the Champions Cup semi-final to old rivals Clermont and shocked by the Scarlets in the Pro12 Semi-Final at the RDS. However, there was huge optimism amongst the players and supporters as they believed this was only the start of a new generation and perhaps another era of success.

Present Day (2018–2024)

[edit]
Croke Park before the 2023–24 European Rugby Champions Cup Semi-Final victory against Northampton Saints.

Starting with the 2017–18 season, Leinster won four straight Pro14 championships.[30] In Europe, they won the 2017-18 Heineken Cup, defeating Racing 92 by a score of 15–12 in the final in Bilbao.[31] They were runners-ups four times in 2018-19 Heineken Cup, 2021-22 Heineken Cup, 2022-23 Heineken Cup and the 2023-24 Heineken Cup.[32] Leinster were knocked out of the Heineken cup competition in the quarter-finals in 2019–20, and again at the semi-finals stage in 2020–21.

The format of the 2021–22 competition was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Leinster won their first round matchup with Bath. However, the day prior to Leinster's second match, an away fixture to Montpellier, the EPCR announced that the match would not go ahead, and instead awarded a 28–0 win to Montpellier.[33] This was despite Leinster having a full squad certified to be COVID-free, named, and ready to travel. The following day, the EPCR announced that all other matches involving French and UK teams from the same second round would be postponed to a future date.[34] Following the EPCR's decision to award Montpellier a 28–0 bonus-point win for their cancelled round two clash, Leinster beat Montpellier by 89–7, with the 82 point margin eclipsing their previous biggest win in Europe set against Bourgoin back in 2004.[35]

Previous season summaries

[edit]
Domestic League European Cup Domestic / 'A' Cup
Season Competition Final Position (Pool) Points Play-offs Competition Performance Competition Performance
1995–96 No competition Heineken Cup Semi-final Interprovincial Championship Champions
1996–97 No competition Heineken Cup 3rd in pool Interprovincial Championship 2nd
1997–98 No competition Heineken Cup 3rd in pool Interprovincial Championship Champions
1998–99 No competition Heineken Cup 4th in pool Interprovincial Championship 3rd
1999–00 No competition Heineken Cup 2nd in pool Interprovincial Championship 3rd
2000–01 No competition Heineken Cup 2nd in pool Interprovincial Championship 3rd
2001–02 Celtic League 1st (A) 21 Champions Heineken Cup Quarter-final Interprovincial Championship Champions
2002–03 Celtic League 5th (B) 18 Did Not qualify Heineken Cup Semi-final No competition
2003–04 Celtic League 8th 47 N/A Heineken Cup 2nd in pool Celtic Cup Quarter-final
2004–05 Celtic League 3rd 57 N/A Heineken Cup Quarter-final Celtic Cup Semi-final
2005–06 Celtic League 2nd 74 N/A Heineken Cup Semi-final No competition
2006–07 Magners League 3rd 61 N/A Heineken Cup Quarter-final No competition
2007–08 Magners League 1st 61 N/A Heineken Cup 3rd in pool No competition
2008–09 Magners League 3rd 52 N/A Heineken Cup Champions No competition
2009–10 Magners League 1st 55 Runner-up Heineken Cup Semi-final British and Irish Cup 2nd in pool
2010–11 Magners League 2nd 70 Runner-up Heineken Cup Champions British and Irish Cup Quarter-final
2011–12 RaboDirect PRO12 1st 81 Runner-up Heineken Cup Champions British and Irish Cup Semi-final
2012–13 RaboDirect PRO12 2nd 78 Champions Challenge Cup* Champions British and Irish Cup Champions
2013–14 RaboDirect PRO12 1st 82 Champions Heineken Cup Quarter-final British and Irish Cup Champions
2014–15 Guinness PRO12 5th 62 Did Not qualify Champions Cup Semi-final British and Irish Cup Semi-final
2015–16 Guinness PRO12 1st 73 Runner-up Champions Cup 4th in pool British and Irish Cup Quarter-final
2016–17 Guinness PRO12 2nd 85 Semi-Final Champions Cup Semi-final British and Irish Cup 2nd in pool
2017–18 Guinness PRO14 1st (B) 70 Champions Champions Cup Champions British and Irish Cup Runner-up
2018–19 Guinness PRO14 1st (B) 76 Champions Champions Cup Runner-up Celtic Cup Champions
2019–20 Guinness PRO14 1st (A) 69 Champions Champions Cup Quarter-final Celtic Cup Champions
2020–21 Guinness PRO14 1st (A) 71 Champions Champions Cup Semi-final Rainbow Cup 4th in pool
2021–22 United Rugby Championship 1st 67 Semi-final Champions Cup Runner-up URC Irish Shield Champions
2022–23 United Rugby Championship 1st 79 Semi-final Champions Cup Runner-up URC Irish Shield Champions
2023–24 United Rugby Championship 3rd 65 Semi-final Champions Cup Runner-up URC Irish Shield Champions

Gold background denotes champions
Silver background denotes runner-up

* After dropping into the competition from the Champions Cup/Heineken Cup

Heineken Cup / Champions Cup

[edit]

Challenge Cup

[edit]

United Rugby Championship

[edit]

Current standings

[edit]

United Rugby Championship

[edit]
2024–25 United Rugby Championship
 watch · edit · discuss
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TB LB Pts
1 Ireland Leinster 9 9 0 0 260 111 +149 38 15 7 0 43
2 Scotland Glasgow Warriors 8 6 0 2 248 143 +105 32 16 6 2 32
3 Wales Cardiff 8 5 0 3 185 200 –15 28 27 5 1 26
4 South Africa Bulls 7 5 0 2 182 128 +54 25 14 3 2 25
5 South Africa Sharks 7 5 0 2 183 184 –1 22 26 2 1 23
6 Ireland Munster 9 4 0 5 192 233 –41 31 32 5 0 21
7 South Africa Lions 7 4 0 3 149 141 +8 19 21 2 1 19
8 Wales Scarlets 8 3 1 4 173 157 +16 19 22 1 3 18
9 Scotland Edinburgh 8 3 0 5 210 213 –3 26 26 4 2 18
10 Ireland Connacht 8 3 0 5 189 208 –19 28 27 4 2 18
11 Ireland Ulster 8 3 0 5 189 210 –21 29 32 3 3 18
12 Italy Benetton 8 3 1 4 163 205 –42 20 27 3 1 18
13 South Africa Stormers 7 3 0 4 162 158 +4 20 22 3 1 16
14 Wales Ospreys 8 3 0 5 151 192 –41 19 23 1 2 15
15 Italy Zebre Parma 8 2 0 6 116 192 –76 13 25 1 3 12
16 Wales Dragons 8 1 0 7 151 228 –77 18 32 1 3 8
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[37]
  1. number of matches won;
  2. the difference between points for and points against;
  3. the number of tries scored;
  4. the most points scored;
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against;
  6. the fewest red cards received;
  7. the fewest yellow cards received.
Green background indicates teams that are in play-off places and earn a place in the 2025–26 European Champions Cup

Pink background indicates teams that are in play-off places and earn a place in the 2025–26 European Challenge Cup
Yellow background indicates the team that won the 2024–25 European Challenge Cup and thus qualify for the 2025–26 European Champions Cup, but are not in a play-off place
Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2025–26 European Challenge Cup.
Q: qualified for play-offs. H: home field advantage secured for quarter-and semi-final. h; home field advantage secured for quarter-final X: cannot reach play-offs. E: qualified for Champions Cup.


2024–25 United Rugby Championship Regional Shield Pools view · watch · edit · discuss
Ireland Irish Shield
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts Pos overall
1 Ireland Leinster (S) 5 5 0 0 134 63 +71 19 9 4 0 24 1
2 Ireland Munster 4 2 0 2 76 106 –30 12 16 2 0 10 -
3 Ireland Ulster 3 1 0 2 71 76 –5 10 12 1 2 7 -
4 Ireland Connacht 4 0 0 4 84 120 –36 13 17 2 2 4 -
Italy Scotland Italian x Scottish Shield
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts Pos overall
1 Scotland Glasgow Warriors 2 2 0 0 75 13 +62 11 1 2 0 10 2
2 Scotland Edinburgh 1 1 0 0 50 33 +17 7 5 1 0 5 8
3 Italy Benetton 3 1 0 2 54 102 –48 7 12 1 0 5 12
4 Italy Zebre Parma 2 0 0 2 13 44 –31 1 6 0 1 1 15
South Africa South African Shield
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts Pos overall
1 South Africa Sharks 2 2 0 0 41 32 +9 5 4 0 0 8 4
2 South Africa Stormers 2 1 0 1 44 31 +13 7 5 1 1 6 13
3 South Africa Bulls 1 0 0 1 17 20 -3 2 2 0 1 1 3
4 South Africa Lions 1 0 0 1 10 29 -19 2 5 0 0 0 7
Wales Welsh Shield
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts Pos overall
1 Wales Cardiff 3 2 0 1 74 63 +11 11 7 2 1 11 5
2 Wales Ospreys 2 1 0 1 44 45 –1 5 3 0 1 5 14
3 Wales Scarlets 3 1 0 2 62 66 –4 6 10 0 1 5 9
4 Wales Dragons 2 1 0 1 46 52 –6 4 6 0 0 4 16
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[38]
  1. number of matches won
  2. the difference between points for and points against
  3. the number of tries scored
  4. the most points scored
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against
  6. the fewest red cards received
  7. the fewest yellow cards received
Green background indicates teams currently leading the regional shield. Upon the conclusion of the regular season, these teams win their respective regional shields.

(S) : URC Shield champion

European Rugby Champions Cup

[edit]

Pool D

2023–24 European Rugby Champions Cup Pool D
Team
 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
Ireland Leinster (2) 4 4 0 0 123 53 +70 17 5 3 0 19
South Africa Stormers (7) 4 3 0 1 102 99 +3 12 12 2 0 14
France La Rochelle (10) 4 2 0 2 111 73 +38 13 9 2 2 12
England Leicester Tigers (15) 4 2 0 2 84 122 –38 10 16 1 0 9
England Sale Sharks (10CC) 4 1 0 3 103 110 –7 13 14 1 1 6
France Stade Français 4 0 0 4 56 122 –66 8 17 0 2 2
Green background (rows 1 to 2) indicates qualification places for a home Champions Cup round of 16.
Blue background (rows 3 to 4) indicates other teams qualified for the Champions Cup round of 16.
Yellow background (row 5) indicates qualification place for the Challenge Cup round of 16.
Plain background (row 6) indicates elimination from 2023–24 European competition.
Starting table — source: European Professional Club Rugby


Honours

[edit]
Leinster Trophy Cabinet (2022)
Honours
Competition Winners Season(s) Runners-up Season(s)
European
European Rugby Champions Cup[note 2] 4 2008–09, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2017–18 4 2018–19, 2021–22, 2022-23, 2023-24
European Rugby Challenge Cup[note 3] 1 2012–13 - -
Domestic
United Rugby Championship[note 4] 8 2001–02, 2007–08, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2017–18,
2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21 		5 2005–06, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2015–16
Provincial
URC Irish Shield[note 5] 4 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25 - -
Irish Inter-Provincial Championship[note 6][39] 22 1949, 1950*, 1955*, 1957*, 1959,
1961, 1962, 1964, 1965*, 1972,
1973*, 1976*, 1978*, 1980, 1981,
1982, 1983*, 1984, 1994*, 1996,
1998*, 2002 		N/A N/A
'A'-Team
Celtic Cup[note 7] 2 2018–19, 2019–20 - -
British & Irish Cup[note 8] 2 2012–13, 2013–14 1 2017–18

Colours and crest

[edit]
Flag of the province of Leinster

The current crest was introduced in 2005 as Leinster Rugby held no copyright on the previous crest. The new, stylised crest, is made specific to Leinster Rugby as it incorporates the harp with a rugby ball.[40] The Leinster Rugby crest is on all official club merchandise including replica jerseys.

The province's current kit (2018/19) is blue with a pattern of spearheads on the jersey which takes inspiration from the people of Laighean (the ancient Irish name for Leinster), while the alternative kit is green with gold features, the colours seen in the Flag of Leinster, with a pattern of geographical cutouts for its 12 counties. The European kit is 'night navy' with the name of each of the 12 counties visible on the jersey written in the ancient Irish alphabet ogham.

The Leinster jersey also features four stars above the crest, to represent the four European Cup titles won to date.

Stadia

[edit]

RDS Arena

[edit]
Main article: RDS Arena
The RDS Arena

Leinster's current home ground is the RDS Arena.[41] Games were first played at the RDS during the 2006–07 season, initially just for European Cup games. By the following season, however, all games had been moved to the RDS. The RDS has undergone large scale redevelopment since Leinster moved in. The arena now has a mostly seated capacity of 18,500. As the RDS remains a showjumping venue, the North and South stands are removable. A roof has been constructed to cover the grandstand opposite the pre-existing Anglesea stand.[42] The RDS will be Leinster's home until 2027, as a 20-year lease was signed in 2007.[43]

In July 2014, it was announced by the RDS and Leinster rugby that a design competition was being held to develop the arena into a 25,000 capacity world-class stadium, with work expected to commence on the redevelopment in April 2016.[44] The selling of naming rights to the arena will be a key component in funding the project, with an initial budget of €20,000,000 being proposed.[45]

Inside the RDS Arena prior to a Leinster Game

Aviva Stadium

[edit]
Main article: Aviva Stadium
The Aviva Stadium prior to Leinster game

For bigger games where the RDS does not have sufficient capacity, Leinster play their games at the Aviva Stadium, which has an all-seater capacity of 51,700. These are often key home games in the European Cup or United Rugby Championship games against domestic rivals. In 2010 they first played a home league game against Munster, the first time the stadium sold out,[46] and then against ASM Clermont Auvergne.[47][48][49] Leinster defeated Leicester Tigers at the venue in the 2010–11 European Cup quarter-finals and went on to beat Toulouse in the semi-finals, also held at the Aviva stadium on 30 April 2011, en route to winning their second European Cup.[50] The following season Leinster hosted Munster, Bath and Cardiff at the Aviva Stadium and remained unbeaten at the ground until December 2012 when they lost 21–28 to ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Donnybrook Stadium

[edit]
Main article: Donnybrook Stadium
Donnybrook Stadium

Leinster's traditional home over the years has been Donnybrook Stadium in Donnybrook, Dublin 4. Donnybrook consists of a single covered stand and three sides of open terracing. A move across Dublin 4 to the RDS Arena for Leinster was needed to accommodate growing crowds, as the 6,000 capacity stadium had become too small.[51] For this reason, Leinster have signed a long-term lease with the Royal Dublin Society to play home games at the RDS Arena. Donnybrook has since, been improved as a venue with the reconstruction of the grandstand in 2008[52] and remains an important venue for rugby union in Dublin.[5] Due to limited space, it is unlikely that Donnybrook will undergo further redevelopment. Leinster A play their British and Irish Cup games in the stadium and the senior team have continued to hold certain pre-season friendlies in the stadium as well as most Leinster schools cup matches being held at the venue.[53][54]

Supporters

[edit]

Before the advent of professionalism in the Irish game, provincial rugby games were generally poorly attended. During most of the 1990s, Leinster matches regularly attracted crowds of about 500 to 2,000.[55] The decision to structure the game professionally via the provincial network through centralised player contracts and the subsequent on-field success achieved by Leinster and the other provinces resulted in a significant increase in support within a decade.[55] Leinster had 3,700 season ticket holders in 2006, double the number of the previous season.[55] The Official Leinster Supporters Club was formally established as a club in 2007.[56] The last match at the old Lansdowne Road stadium was against Ulster on 31 December 2006 before it was demolished to make way for the new Aviva Stadium, earning the match the moniker of "The Last Stand". Leinster won the match 20–12, with an attendance of 48,000 – a record at the time.[57] A previous attendance record in the Pro12 was also set at Lansdowne Road, for a game between Leinster and Munster which drew a crowd of 30,000.[58] Leinster's supporters were named as 'Player of the Month' for April 2009 following their support in the European Cup Quarter Final against Harlequins at The Stoop.[59]

The Leinster Jet

On several occasions Leinster have set the record for the largest Celtic league and Pro12 attendances. On 2 October 2010, Leinster beat Munster 13–9 in the 5th round of the league at the Aviva Stadium. This set a new crowd attendance record for a Pro12 game at 50,645.[60] They subsequently set a new record on 29 March 2014 during a sellout match against Munster in which 51,700 fans were in attendance. This Pro12 record was subsequently surpassed by attendances at the Judgement Day fixtures. During the 2014–15 Pro12 season Leinster had the best support of any club in the PRO12 league with an average attendance of 17,717.[61]

Leinster's European Cup clash against Munster at Croke Park on 2 May 2009 set a world record attendance at the time for a club rugby union game with a crowd of 82,208.[62]

Home attendance

[edit]
Domestic League
European Cup
Total
League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest League Fixtures Average Attendance Highest Lowest Total Attendance Average Attendance
– – – – – 1995–96 Heineken Cup 2 5,675 7,350 4,000 11,350 5,675
– – – – – 1996–97 Heineken Cup 2 3,750 4,000 3,500 7,500 3,750
– – – – – 1997–98 Heineken Cup 3 6,267 7,000 5,500 18,800 6,267
– – – – – 1998–99 Heineken Cup 3 5,500 8,000 4,000 16,500 5,500
– – – – – 1999–00 Heineken Cup 3 4,833 6,500 3,000 14,500 4,833
– – – – – 2000–01 Heineken Cup 3 8,147 12,000 3,940 24,440 8,147
2001–02 Celtic League 6• 8,926 30,000 3,056 2001–02 Heineken Cup 3 7,500 7,500 7,500 76,056 8,451
2002–03 Celtic League 3 5,500 6,000 4,500 2002–03 Heineken Cup 5 21,600 45,000 6,000 124,500 15,563
2003–04 Celtic League
Celtic Cup 		12* 3,173 7,000 1,068 2003–04 Heineken Cup 3 14,963 23,463 7,200 82,965 5,531
2004–05 Celtic League
Celtic Cup 		12* 5,038 13,500 2,800 2004–05 Heineken Cup 4 19,891 48,500 5,100 140,020 8,751
2005–06 Celtic League 10 5,814 14,135 1,700 2005–06 Heineken Cup 4 20,932 47,000 11,133 141,868 10,133
2006–07 Celtic League 10 11,892 48,000 3,750 2006–07 Heineken Cup 3 15,861 22,530 6,400 166,503 12,808
2007–08 Celtic League 9 14,361 18,500 9,439 2007–08 Heineken Cup 3 17,820 18,563 16,752 182,709 15,226
2008–09 Celtic League 9 14,728 18,500 10,910 2008–09 Heineken Cup 3 17,680 18,300 16,500 185,592 15,466
2009–10 Celtic League 11 15,835 19,750 11,836 2009–10 Heineken Cup 4 18,709 20,000 17,836 249,021 16,601
2010–11 Celtic League 12 16,849 50,645 9,790 2010–11 Heineken Cup 5 36,229 50,073 17,936 383,333 22,549
2011–12 Pro12 12 18,971 48,365 14,362 2011–12 Heineken Cup 4 33,282 50,340 17,924 360,780 22,549
2012–13 Pro12 12 19,084 46,280 13,235 2012–13 Heineken Cup
2012–13 Challenge Cup 		6† 22,369 48,964 9,654 363,222 20,179
2013–14 Pro12 13 19,507 51,700 14,400 2013–14 Heineken Cup 3 28,137 47,370 18,500 338,002 21,125
2014–15 Pro12 11 17,675 43,817 11,322 2014–15 European Rugby Champions Cup 3 29,509 43,958 17,558 282,952 20,211
2015–16 Pro12 12 15,118 43,108 8,612 2015–16 European Rugby Champions Cup 3 25,428 44,925 14,569 257,700 17,180
2016–17 Pro12 12 15,579 40,527 10,792 2016–17 European Rugby Champions Cup 4 30,081 50,266 13,890 307,272 19,205
2017–18 Pro14 11 16,793 46,374 10,115 2017–18 European Rugby Champions Cup 5 34,432 51,700 15,947 356,883 22,305
2018–19 Pro14 12 17,242 50,120 10,057 2018–19 European Rugby Champions Cup 5 34,285 51,700 18,055 378,329 22,255
2019–20 Pro14 7‡ 12,919 18,300 7,967 2019–20 European Rugby Champions Cup 3‡ 25,086 42,041 15,080 165,691 16,569
2020–21 Pro14
Pro14 Rainbow Cup 		1‡ 1,200 1,200 1,200 2020–21 European Rugby Champions Cup 0‡ – – – 1,200 1,200
2021–22 United Rugby Championship 11 14,138 32,411 8,559 2021–22 European Rugby Champions Cup 4‡ 26,134 42,067 5,000 260,046 17,336
2022–23 United Rugby Championship 11 18,773 45,436 12,441 2022–23 European Rugby Champions Cup 6 39,377 51,711 15,469 442,765 26,045
2023–24 United Rugby Championship 10 18,939 49,246 10,404 2023–24 European Rugby Champions Cup 5 46,747 82,300 18,600 423,119 28,208
 •Only matches in which there was a reported attendance are included.
 *Match figures inclusive of both Celtic League and Celtic Cup fixtures.
 †Match figures inclusive of both Heineken Cup and Challenge Cup fixtures.
 ‡Match figures include fixtures in which COVID-19 restrictions limited attendance, but exclude fixtures in which no spectators were allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Up to date as of the 2023–24 season.[63]

Key
  Record high
  Record low
* Affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

Leinster A

[edit]

Leinster A is the team that represents Leinster in the British & Irish Cup,[64] having won the competition a record two times to date, in the 2012–13 season as well as the 2013–14 season, also becoming the first and only side to ever successfully defend the trophy. Leinster A also compete in the All Ireland Inter-provincial Championship. Pre-professionalism and a formal Celtic league structure, the main Leinster team competed in the AIIPC. Since the advent of professionalism, the provinces have fielded lesser teams to concentrate on the Celtic League. The team is composed of Senior Leinster squad players requiring game time, Development contract & Academy players and, occasionally, AIL players called up from their clubs.

For the 2019–20 season, the Leinster A team is coached by Noel McNamara.[65]

Competition Played Won Drawn Lost % Won Championships
British and Irish Cup 61 46 2 13 75.41% 2012–13, 2013–14
Celtic Cup 15 15 0 0 100.00% 2018–19, 2019–20
Total 76 61 2 13 80.26%

Updated as of 12 April 2021.[66]

Sponsorship

[edit]

From the 2007–08 season to the 2017–18 season Leinster's kits were supplied by Canterbury of New Zealand but for the next five seasons starting with the 2018 -19 season Leinster's kits were supplied by Adidas. Their kits are now supplied by Castore. Bank of Ireland, the country's oldest banking institution are Leinster's primary sponsors appearing in the front of their shirt, their sleeves, the top back of their shirt and the front right of their shorts. The Bank of Ireland symbol appeared on Leinster's front right and front left collars. On occasion, the team will wear a shirt adorned with the logo of another sponsor due to a promotion run annually by the bank offering up the sponsorship space to an Irish business by way of a competition to win the right to become a sponsor for a day.[67] During the 2013–14 season the contest was won by Dublin-based meat wholesaler Gahan Meats[68] and for 2014–15 the shirt sponsorship winners were accounting software provider Big Red Cloud.[69] The sponsorship prize package is valued at €50,000 and attracts hundreds of companies keen to be shortlisted each year.[70] The left of Leinster's back shorts had Bank of Ireland between 2009 and 2013 where it was replaced by Bank of Ireland's Twitter address right up until 2015 where it was replaced by Laya Healthcare. The teams 'official airline' is Irelands' CityJet.

Management and coaches

[edit]
Position Name Nationality
Head coach Leo Cullen  Ireland
Senior Coach Jacques Nienaber  South Africa
Assistant coach Robin McBryde  Wales
Backs Coach Tyler Bleyendaal  New Zealand
Contact Skills Coach Sean O'Brien  Ireland
Kicking Coach & Head Analyst Emmet Farrell  Ireland

Current squad

[edit]
For player movements before or during the 2024–25 season, see List of 2024–25 United Rugby Championship transfers § Leinster.
Leinster Rugby United Rugby Championship squad[a]

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
* denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.
ST denotes a short-term signing.
Players and their allocated positions from the Leinster Rugby website.[71]
  1. ^ Taking into account signings and departures head of 2023–24 season as listed on List of 2023–24 United Rugby Championship transfers.

Academy squad

[edit]
Leinster Rugby Academy squad[a]

Props

Hookers

Locks

  • Ireland Billy Corrigan (1)
  • Ireland Diarmuid Mangan (3)
  • Ireland Conor O'Tighearnaigh (2)
  • Ireland Alan Spicer (1)

Back row

  • Ireland Liam Molony (2)

Scrum-halves

  • Ireland Oliver Coffey (1)
  • Ireland Fintan Gunne (2)

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

  • Ireland Aitzol King (3)
  • Ireland Hugo McLaughlin (1)
  • Ireland Ruben Moloney (1)
  • Ireland Andrew Osborne (2)

Fullbacks

  • Ireland Henry McErlean (2)
(c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
* denotes players qualified to play for Ireland on residency or dual nationality.
Players and their allocated positions from the Leinster Rugby website.[72][73]
  1. ^ Taking into account signings and departures head of 2023–24 season as listed on List of 2023–24 United Rugby Championship transfers.

Results versus representative sides

[edit]
Scores and results list Leinster's points tally first.
Date Opponent Location Result Score Notes
17 December 1902 Canada Canada Dublin Won 13–6 Match Report[74]
17 November 1945 New Zealand New Zealand Kiwis[note 9] Lansdowne Road, Dublin Drew 10–10 Details of Tour
27 November 1957 Australia Australia Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 8–10 Match Programme
Match Ticket
1 February 1961 South Africa South Africa Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 5–12 Match Programme
Match Report
22 January 1964 New Zealand New Zealand Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 8–11 Match Programme
Match Report
7 December 1966 Australia Australia Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 3–9 Match Programme
15 November 1972 New Zealand New Zealand Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 9–17 Match Programme
15 September 1973 Fiji Fiji Lansdowne Road, Dublin Won 30–9 Match Programme
13 November 1974 New Zealand New Zealand Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 3–8 Match Programme
Match Highlights
21 October 1978 Argentina Argentina Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 13–24 Match Report
30 December 1979 Italy Italy Donnybrook, Dublin Won 26–10 100 year anniversary
8 October 1980 Romania Romania Donnybrook, Dublin Won 24–10 Match Programme
Match Report
8 November 1989 New Zealand New Zealand Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 9–36 Match Programme
Match Report
17 October 1992 Australia Australia Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 11–38 Match Programme
Match Report
12 November 1994 United States United States Donnybrook, Dublin Won 26–15 Match Programme
24 August 1999 Argentina Argentina Donnybrook, Dublin Lost 22–51 Match Report
24 August 2019 Canada Canada Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton Won 38–35 Match Report
18 November 2022 Chile Chile Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin Won 40–3 Match Report

Records against European Cup and URC opponents in the professional era (1995–present)

[edit]
Against Played Won Drawn Lost % Won
France Agen 2 2 0 0 100.00%
Italy Aironi 4 4 0 0 100.00%
Italy Benetton 29 25 2 2 86.21%
England Bath 13 11 0 2 84.62%
France Biarritz 6 4 0 2 66.67%
France Bordeaux 2 1 0 1 50.00%
Scotland Border Reivers 10 7 0 3 70.00%
France Bourgoin 4 3 0 1 75.00%
Wales Bridgend 2 2 0 0 100.00%
England Bristol 3 3 0 0 100.00%
France Brive 2 2 0 0 100.00%
South Africa Bulls 4 2 0 2 50%
Wales Cardiff Blues 37 29 2 6 78.38%
Wales Cardiff RFC 1 1 0 0 100%
France Castres 8 6 1 1 75.00%
Wales Celtic Warriors 2 0 0 2 0.00%
South Africa Cheetahs 4 3 0 1 75%
France Clermont Auvergne 10 6 0 4 60%
Ireland Connacht* 47 38 0 9 80.85%
Wales Dragons 40 31 0 9 77.5%
Wales Ebbw Vale RFC 1 1 0 0 100.00%
Scotland Edinburgh 44 29 1 14 65.91%
England Exeter Chiefs 5 5 0 0 100.00%
Scotland Glasgow Warriors 55 37 2 16 67.27%
England Gloucester 4 3 0 1 75%
England Harlequins 3 2 0 1 66.67%
France La Rochelle 5 2 0 3 40.00%
South Africa Lions 4 3 0 1 75%
England Leicester Tigers 15 10 0 5 66.67%
Wales Llanelli RFC 1 1 0 0 100%
England London Irish 2 0 1 1 0.00%
France Lyon 2 2 0 0 100.00%
France Montpellier† 8 6 1 1 75%
Ireland Munster* 56 37 1 18 66.07%
Italy Milan 3 2 0 1 66.67%
England Newcastle Falcons 2 2 0 0 100.00%
Wales Newport RFC 4 4 0 0 100.00%
England Northampton Saints 11 10 0 1 90.91%
Wales Ospreys 42 26 3 13 61.9%
France Pau 1 1 0 0 100.00%
France Perpignan 1 0 0 1 0.00%
Wales Pontypridd RFC 2 2 0 0 100%
France Racing 92 5 5 0 0 100.00%
England Sale Sharks 3 2 0 1 66.67%
England Saracens 5 3 0 2 60.00%
Wales Scarlets 43 29 2 12 67.44%
South Africa Sharks 4 3 0 1 75.00%
South Africa Southern Kings 3 3 0 0 100.00%
France Stade Français 6 3 0 3 50.00%
South Africa Stormers 3 0 1 2 0.00%
Wales Swansea RFC 3 3 0 0 100.00%
France Toulon 4 0 0 4 0.00%
France Toulouse 15 8 0 7 53.33%
Ireland Ulster* 56 41 3 12 73.21%
England Wasps 11 6 1 4 54.55%
Italy Zebre 18 18 0 0 100%
Total 680 489 21 170 71.91%
 *Matches played as part of the Irish Interprovincial Rugby Championship, separate from Celtic League fixtures, are not included in this table.
†Results do not include the cancelled Montpellier vs Leinster 2021-22 Heineken Cup fixture in which Montpellier were awarded a 28–0 victory due to positive Covid tests in the Leinster squad.

Correct as of 27 December 2024.[75]

Since the inception of the Celtic league, Leinster have dominated their Irish provincial rivals Ulster, with a 41–12 win–loss record. Similarly, Leinster enjoy a 37–9 win–loss ratio against western province Connacht. Leinster also hold a 37–18 head-to-head advantage against arch-rivals Munster, in one of the most intense derbies in world rugby. Of the United Rugby Championship sides, Munster have the most competitive record against Leinster; all of the league's other sides have substantial losing records against Leinster. The Welsh side, Celtic Warriors competed in the Celtic league during the first couple of seasons and have a winning record against Leinster of two wins and zero defeats.

Among European teams, of those who have played at least three games against Leinster, only two enjoy a winning record. La Rochelle lead Leinster 3–2 and RC Toulon have a commanding 4–0 head-to-head lead. These are the only European clubs who have played against Leinster at least three times who have a winning record against them.

Records against Irish Provinces (1946–present)

[edit]
Against Played Won Drawn Lost % Won
Connacht Connacht 107 84 4 19 78.5%
Munster Munster 114 64 5 45 56.14%
Ulster Ulster 113 69 6 38 61.06%
Total 333 216 15 167 64.86%

Correct as of 27 December 2024.

Notable players

[edit]

See also Category:Leinster Rugby players.

Club captains

[edit]

Professional era only

Captain Season(s) Championships/Notes
Kurt McQuilkin 1997–98 Interprovincial Championship: 1 (1998)
Gabriel Fulcher 1998–99 —
Liam Toland 1999–00 – 2000–01 —
Reggie Corrigan 2001–02 – 2004–05 United Rugby Championship: 1 (2002)
Interprovincial Championship: 1 (2002)
Brian O'Driscoll 2005–06 – 2007–08 United Rugby Championship: 1 (2008)
Leo Cullen 2008–09 – 2013–14 European Cup: 3 (2009, 2011, 2012)
Challenge Cup: 1 (2013)
United Rugby Championship: 2 (2013, 2014)
Jamie Heaslip 2014–15 —
Kevin McLaughlin 2015 Retired mid-season due to injury
Isa Nacewa 2015–16 – 2017–18 European Cup: 1 (2018)
United Rugby Championship: 1 (2018)
Johnny Sexton 2018–19 – 2022–23 United Rugby Championship: 3 (2019, 2020, 2021)
Irish Shield: 2 (2022, 2023)
James Ryan
Garry Ringrose		 2023–24 Irish Shield: 1 (2024)
Caelan Doris 2024–25 –

British & Irish Lions

[edit]

The following Leinster players have also represented the British & Irish Lions.[39] Bold indicates tour captain.

Year Tour Series Result Players
1888 New Zealand New Zealand
Australia Australia 		No Test —
1891 South Africa South Africa 3–0 —
1896 South AfricaSouth Africa 3–1 Thomas Crean
Robert Johnston
1899 AustraliaAustralia 3–1 —
1903 South AfricaSouth Africa 0–1–0 —
1904 AustraliaAustralia
New ZealandNew Zealand 		3–0
0–1 		—
1908 New ZealandNew Zealand
AustraliaAustralia 		0–2–1
No Test 		—
1910 South AfricaSouth Africa 1–2 —
1910 Argentina Argentina 1–0 —
1924 South AfricaSouth Africa 0–3–1 —
1927 ArgentinaArgentina 4–0 —
1930 New ZealandNew Zealand
AustraliaAustralia 		1–3
0–1 		—
1936 ArgentinaArgentina 1–0 —
1938 South AfricaSouth Africa 1–2 George J. Morgan
1950 New ZealandNew Zealand
AustraliaAustralia 		0–3–1
2–0 		Karl Mullen
1955 South AfricaSouth Africa 2–2 Tony O'Reilly
Robin Roe
1959 AustraliaAustralia
New ZealandNew Zealand 		2–0
1–3 		Niall Brophy
Ronnie Dawson
Bill Mulcahy
Tony O'Reilly (2)
1962 South AfricaSouth Africa 0–3–1 Niall Brophy (2)
Bill Mulcahy (2)
1966 AustraliaAustralia
New ZealandNew Zealand 		2–0
0–4 		—
1968 South AfricaSouth Africa 0–3–1 Ronnie Dawson (2)
1971 New ZealandNew Zealand 2–1–1 Mike Hipwell
Sean Lynch
Fergus Slattery
1974 South AfricaSouth Africa 3–0–1 Tom Grace
John Moloney
Fergus Slattery (2)
1977 New ZealandNew Zealand 1–3 Willie Duggan
Philip Orr
1980 South AfricaSouth Africa 1–3 Ollie Campbell
Rodney O'Donnell
Philip Orr (2)
John Robbie
Tony Ward
1983 New ZealandNew Zealand 0–4 Ollie Campbell (2)
Hugo MacNeill
1989 AustraliaAustralia 2–1 Paul Dean
Brendan Mullin
1993 New ZealandNew Zealand 1–2 Vince Cunningham
Nick Popplewell
1997 South AfricaSouth Africa 2–1 Eric Miller
2001 AustraliaAustralia 1–2 Brian O'Driscoll
Malcolm O'Kelly
2005 New ZealandNew Zealand 0–3 Shane Byrne
Gordon D'Arcy
Denis Hickie
Shane Horgan
Brian O'Driscoll (2)
Malcolm O'Kelly (2)
2009 South AfricaSouth Africa 1–2 Gordon D'Arcy (2)
Luke Fitzgerald
Jamie Heaslip
Rob Kearney
Brian O'Driscoll (3)
2013 AustraliaAustralia 2–1 Cian Healy
Jamie Heaslip (2)
Rob Kearney (2)
Seán O'Brien
Brian O'Driscoll (4)
Johnny Sexton
2017 New ZealandNew Zealand 1–1–1 Tadhg Furlong
Robbie Henshaw
Jack McGrath
Seán O'Brien (2)
Johnny Sexton (2)
2021 South AfricaSouth Africa 1–2 Jack Conan
Tadhg Furlong (2)
Robbie Henshaw (2)
Ronan Kelleher
Andrew Porter

Notable overseas players

[edit]

The following is a list of non-Irish qualified representative Leinster players:

Nation Player Season(s)
Argentina Argentina Felipe Contepomi 2003/04 – 2008/09
Mariano Galarza 2010
Juan Gomez 2007/08 – 2008/09
Australia Australia Shaun Berne 2009/10 – 2010/11
Kane Douglas 2014/15
Rocky Elsom 2008/09
Scott Fardy 2017/18 – 2020/21
Owen Finegan* 2006/07
Joe Tomane 2018/19 – 2019/20
Lote Tuqiri 2013
Chris Whitaker* 2006/07 – 2008/09
New Zealand New Zealand Matt Berquist 2011/12
David Holwell 2005, 2008
Jimmy Gopperth 2013/14 – 2014/15
Charlie Ngatai 2022/23 –
Ben Te'o† 2014/15 – 2015/16
Brad Thorn* 2012
South Africa South Africa Jason Jenkins 2022/23 –
Zane Kirchner 2013/14 – 2016/17
Ollie Le Roux 2007/08
CJ van der Linde* 2008/09 – 2009/10
Heinke van der Merwe* 2010/11 – 2012/13
Rest of the World Russia Vasily Artemiev 2006/07
Russia Adam Byrnes 2005/06
England Will Green 2005/06 – 2006/07
Scotland Nathan Hines 2009/10 – 2010/11
Fiji Isa Nacewa 2008/09 – 2012/13;
2015/16 – 2017/18
Cook Islands Stan Wright 2006/07 – 2010/11
Samoa Michael Alaalatoa 2021/22 – Present
Samoa Fosi Pala'amo 2006/07
Georgia (country) Vakh Abdaladze 2017/18 – Present
* indicates World Cup winners
† Ben Te'o subsequently represented England at international level

Head coaches (professional era)

[edit]
As of 27 December 2024[note 10]
Coach Season(s) GP* W D L Win % Loss % Championships / Notes
Ireland Jim Glennon†[76] 1995/96 – 1996/97 14 9 0 5 64.29% 35.71% Interprovincial Championship (1996)
Wales Mike Ruddock[77] 1997/98 – 1999/00 34 16 0 18 47.06% 52.94% Interprovincial Championship (1998)
Australia Matt Willams[78] 2000/01 – 2002/03 46 31 3 12 67.39% 26.09% United Rugby Championship (2002)
Interprovincial Championship (2002)
Australia Gary Ella[79] 2003/04 30 14 2 14 46.7% 46.7%
Ireland Declan Kidney[80] 2004/05 26 17 1 8 65.38% 30.77%
Ireland Gerry Murphy[81] 2004/05 3 2 0 1 66.67% 33.33% Interim Coach
Australia Michael Cheika[82] 2005/06 – 2009/10 134 88 4 42 65.67% 31.34% European Cup (2009)
United Rugby Championship (2008)
New Zealand Joe Schmidt[83] 2010/11 – 2012/13 99 77 3 19 77.78% 19.19% European Cup (2011, 2012)
European Challenge Cup (2013)
United Rugby Championship (2013)
Australia Matt O'Connor[84] 2013/14 – 2014/15 61 40 5 16 65.57% 26.23% United Rugby Championship (2014)
Ireland Leo Cullen 2015/16 – Present 272 214 4 54 78.68% 19.85% European Cup (2018)
United Rugby Championship (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
United Rugby Championship Coach of the year (2018, 2022)
Irish Shield (2022, 2023, 2024)
Total 1995 – Present 718 507 22 189 70.61% 26.32%
 *Games played are inclusive of matches played against touring international sides, but do not include friendlies against club opposition.
 †Glennon was the Leinster head coach for two separate spells between 1992 and 1998, but only matches during the professional era are included in this table.[76]

Personnel honours and records

[edit]

(correct as of 27 December 2024)[85]

Bold indicates active player

World Rugby Player of the Year

[edit]

Inaugurated 2001

Season Nominated Winner
2001 Brian O'Driscoll —
2002 Brian O'Driscoll (2) —
2004 Gordon D'Arcy —
2007 Felipe Contepomi —
2009 Jamie Heaslip, Brian O'Driscoll (3) —
2014 Johnny Sexton —
2016 Jamie Heaslip (2) —
2018 Johnny Sexton (2) Johnny Sexton
2022 Johnny Sexton (3), Josh van der Flier[86] Josh van der Flier[87]

World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year

[edit]

Inaugurated 2015

Nominated (3 nominees per year)

Season Nominated Winner
2018 Jordan Larmour —
2022[86] Dan Sheehan —

World Rugby Junior Player of the Year

[edit]

Inaugurated 2008 - awarded to World Rugby Under 20 Championship player of the tournament

Season Nominated Winner
2014 Garry Ringrose —
2016 Max Deegan Max Deegan

Europe

[edit]

All players listed below are Irish unless otherwise noted.

ERC European Dream Team
The following Leinster players were selected in the ERC European Dream Team, an all-time dream team of Heineken Cup players over the first 15 years of professional European rugby. (1995–2010). Both O'Driscoll and Elsom were part of the 2008–09 Heineken Cup winning team.

Season(s) Player Position
2008–2009 Australia Rocky Elsom* Flanker
1999–2014 Brian O'Driscoll Centre

* Elsom had the fewest Heineken Cup appearances in the team and was the only member born outside of Europe

European Player of the Year

Awarded annually since 2010-11

Season Nominated Winner
2010–11 Seán O'Brien, Jamie Heaslip, Fiji Isa Nacewa[88] Seán O'Brien
2011–12 Rob Kearney, Johnny Sexton[89] Rob Kearney
2012–13 Jamie Heaslip (2)[90] —
2013–14 — —
2014–15 Jamie Heaslip (3)[91] —
2015–16 — —
2016–17 Garry Ringrose —
2017–18 Australia Scott Fardy, Tadhg Furlong, Johnny Sexton (2)[92] —
2018–19 Seán Cronin, Tadhg Furlong (2), Garry Ringrose (2) —
2019–20 Tadhg Furlong (3), Jordan Larmour, Garry Ringrose (3) —
2020–21 — —
2021–22 Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, James Lowe[93] Josh van der Flier[93]
2022–23 Caelan Doris (2), Josh van der Flier (2), Garry Ringrose (4), Jamie Osborne[94] —
2023–24 Caelan Doris (3), Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe (2), Dan Sheehan[95] —

European Cup Team of the Year
The following Leinster players were selected on the European Cup team of the year.

All players listed below are Irish unless otherwise noted. Inaugurated 2020-21.

Season Irish players Foreign players
2020–21 Rónan Kelleher, Josh van der Flier —
2021–22 Rónan Kelleher (2), Tadhg Furlong, Ross Molony, Josh van der Flier (2), Johnny Sexton, James Lowe, Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan[96] —
2023–24 Joe McCarthy, Caelan Doris, James Lowe (2)[97] —

Rugby Champions Cup player records

Statistics do not include European Rugby Challenge Cup matches. Updated as of 14 December 2024.[98][99][100]

Rugby Champions Cup Individual Season Records

The players listed above were the top try-scorers and points-scorers for the European Rugby Champions Cup in a given season.[101]

United Rugby Championship

[edit]

All players listed below are Irish unless otherwise noted. Inaugurated 2006-07.

United Rugby Championship Team of the Year
The following Leinster players were selected on the Pro 14/URC team of the year.

Season Irish players Foreign players
2006–07 Jamie Heaslip, Gordon D'Arcy, Denis Hickie Argentina Felipe Contepomi
2007–08 Jamie Heaslip (2), Leo Cullen, Bernard Jackman, Malcolm O'Kelly Argentina Felipe Contepomi (2), South Africa Ollie Le Roux, Cook Islands Stan Wright
2008–09 Jamie Heaslip (3), Brian O'Driscoll Australia Rocky Elsom
2009–10 Jamie Heaslip (4), Brian O'Driscoll (2), Leo Cullen (2) —
2010–11 Jamie Heaslip (5), Richardt Strauss, Seán O'Brien, Mike Ross Fiji Isa Nacewa
2011–12 Richardt Strauss (2) Fiji Isa Nacewa (2)
2012–13 Ian Madigan —
2013–14 Seán Cronin, Jordi Murphy, Rhys Ruddock[102] —
2014–15 — —
2015–16 Josh van der Flier Fiji Isa Nacewa (3), New Zealand Ben Te'o
2016–17 Jack Conan, Dan Leavy —
2017–18 Andrew Porter, Jack Conan (2), Jordan Larmour Australia Scott Fardy, New Zealand James Lowe
2018–19 — Australia Scott Fardy (2)
2019–20 Will Connors, Max Deegan Australia Scott Fardy (3)
2020–21[103] Michael Bent, Dave Kearney, Scott Penny —
2021–22[104] Ross Byrne —
2022–23[105] Ross Byrne (2), Scott Penny (2), Dan Sheehan —
2023–24[106] Jordan Larmour (2) —

United Rugby Championship Player Records

Category Player Total
Tries Dave Kearney 48
Appearances Devin Toner 191
Points Johnny Sexton 887
Successful Conversions & Penalties Johnny Sexton 312

Updated 04 March 2023[107]

United Rugby Championship Golden Boot
The Golden Boot is awarded to the kicker who has successfully converted the highest percentage of place kicks during the 22-week regular Pro12 season. To be eligible, the player must have taken at least 20 kicks at goal. The prize has been awarded annually since 2012. (Percentage success rate in brackets)

Season Winner Percentage
2011-12 Johnny Sexton 90%
2012-13 Ian Madigan 87%
2014-15 Ian Madigan 87%

United Rugby Championship Individual Awards

Category Player Season Total
Top Try Scorer Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey (Joint) 2001–02 7
Jamie Heaslip (Joint) 2006–07 7
Barry Daly 2017–18 12
Scott Penny (Joint) 2020–21 9
Top Point Scorer Felipe Contepomi 2005-06 287
Felipe Contepomi (2) (Joint) 2008-09 161
Ian Madigan 2012–13 186
Players' Players of the Year Dan Sheehan 2022-23 N/A
Young Player of the Year Joey Carbery 2016–17 N/A
Jordan Larmour 2017–18 N/A
Caelan Doris 2019–20 N/A
Scott Penny 2020–21 N/A
Coach of the Year Leo Cullen 2017–18 N/A
Leo Cullen (2) 2021–22[108] N/A

United Rugby Championship Team Awards

  • 2010–11: Fairplay Award
  • 2011–12: Fairplay Award

End-of-season club awards

[edit]
Season Player of the Year Young Player of the Year Supporters' Player of the Year
2006–07 Gordon D'Arcy Luke Fitzgerald, Felix Jones –
2007–08 Bernard Jackman Luke Fitzgerald Keith Gleeson
2008–09[109] Rocky Elsom Cian Healy Felipe Contepomi
2009–10[110] Jamie Heaslip Rhys Ruddock Shane Jennings
2010–11[111] Isa Nacewa Eoin O'Malley Shane Horgan
2011–12[112] Rob Kearney Ian Madigan –
2012–13[113] Ian Madigan Jordi Murphy –
2013–14[114] Jack McGrath Marty Moore –
2014–15[115] Seán Cronin Jack Conan, Peter Dooley –
2015–16[116] Ben Te'o Josh Van Der Flier –
2016–17[117] Luke McGrath Joey Carbery Isa Nacewa
2017–18[118] Dan Leavy James Ryan Dan Leavy
2018–19[119] James Ryan Max Deegan Seán Cronin
2019–20[120] Garry Ringrose Caelan Doris –
2020–21[121] Robbie Henshaw Ronan Kelleher Josh van der Flier
2021–22[122] Josh van der Flier Dan Sheehan Ciarán Frawley
2022–23[123] Caelan Doris Scott Penny Garry Ringrose
2023–24[124] Jamison Gibson-Park Joe McCarthy Joe McCarthy

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Leinster awarded a walkover as Toulon were unable to field a team following positive COVID-19 test results in the squad
  2. ^ Formerly known as Heineken European Cup
  3. ^ Formerly known as European Challenge Cup
  4. ^ Formerly known as Celtic League / Magners League / Pro12 / Pro14
  5. ^ Contested from 2022 to present
  6. ^ Contested from 1946 to 2002 – Bold indicates Grand Slam; * indicates shared title; years shown are season ending years
  7. ^ Contested from 2019 to 2020
  8. ^ Contested from 2009 to 2018
  9. ^ Representative side consisting of New Zealand soldiers who completed military service in World War II. Much of the squad went on to represent the All Blacks.
  10. ^ Original research sourced from http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/team/results/index.php

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