Overview
- The Champions Cup final in Bilbao on Saturday pits four-time winners Leinster against holders Bordeaux-Bègles, who arrive unbeaten in this season’s competition and are bidding to defend their title.
- Leinster named a matchday 23 that restores Tommy O’Brien to the wing and puts tighthead Tadhg Furlong and lock Paddy McCarthy on the bench, while James Lowe is omitted from the squad.
- Tommy O’Brien’s inclusion follows earlier doubts over his fitness after a training knock, so late medical checks are a live issue for Leinster ahead of kick-off.
- Ulster face Montpellier in Friday’s Challenge Cup final without Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Rob Herring and suspended captain Iain Henderson, with the winner securing qualification for next season’s Champions Cup.
- Leinster’s appearance comes after four Champions Cup final defeats since their last win in 2018 and an uneven URC campaign this season, setting up a contrast between Bordeaux’s dominant, high‑scoring spine and Leinster’s bid for redemption.