Leinster Rugby

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Leinster Rugby
LeinsterRugby logo 2019.svg
Founded1879; 142 years ago (1879)
LocationDublin, Ireland
Ground(s)RDS Arena (Capacity: 18,500)
Aviva Stadium (Capacity: 51,700)
CEOMick Dawson
Coach(es)Leo Cullen
Captain(s)Jonathan Sexton
Most capsDevin Toner (263)
Top scorerJonathan Sexton (1,507)
Most triesShane Horgan (69)
League(s)United Rugby Championship
2020–21Champions
1st (Conference A)
Rainbow Cup
4th
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
www.leinsterrugby.ie

Leinster Rugby (Irish: Rugbaí Laighean) is one of the four professional provincial rugby union teams from the island of Ireland and the most successful Irish team domestically. 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 and the team crest features a harp within a rugby ball, the harp being taken from the flag of Leinster.

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[]

Founding (1879–1899)[]

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 was 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)[]

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.

Leo the Leinster Lion

Leinster Lions (1990s–2005)[]

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)[]

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)[]

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)[]

Following a remarkable run of seven major trophies in seven years, Leinsters 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.

Return to success (2018–present)[]

Previous Season Summaries[]

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

Gold background denotes champions
Silver background denotes runner-up

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

Heineken Cup / Champions Cup[]

Challenge Cup[]

United Rugby Championship[]

Current standings[]

United Rugby Championship[]

2021–22 United Rugby Championship · · discuss
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA Try bonus Losing bonus Pts
1 Italy Benetton 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
2 South Africa Bulls 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Wales Cardiff 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Ireland Connacht 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Wales Dragons 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Scotland Edinburgh 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Scotland Glasgow Warriors 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Ireland Leinster 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
9 South Africa Lions 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
10 Ireland Munster 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
11 Wales Ospreys 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
12 Wales Scarlets 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
13 South Africa Sharks 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
14 South Africa Stormers 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
15 Ireland Ulster 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
16 Italy Zebre 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[31]
  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 playoff places that top their regional pools and earn a place in the

Blue background indicates teams that did not top their regional pool but are play-off places and earn a place in the 2022–23 European Champions Cup
Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the .

2021–22 United Rugby Championship Regional Pools · · · discuss
Irish Pool
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts
1 Ireland Connacht 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Ireland Leinster 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Ireland Munster 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Ireland Ulster 0 0 0 0 0 0 +0 0 0 0 0 0
Italian and Scottish Pool
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts
1 Italy Benetton 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Scotland Edinburgh 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Scotland Glasgow Warriors 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Italy Zebre 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
South African Pool
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts
1 South Africa Bulls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 South Africa Lions 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 South Africa Sharks 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 South Africa Stormers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Welsh Pool
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts
1 Wales Cardiff 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 Wales Dragons 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Wales Ospreys 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Wales Scarlets 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[32]
  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 guaranteed a place in the

European Rugby Champions Cup[]

Pool A

Team
 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
Ireland Leinster 2 2 0 0 70 33 +37 9 4 2 0 10
England Wasps 2 2 0 0 57 22 +35 9 3 2 0 10
France Bordeaux Bègles 2 2 0 0 63 20 +43 8 1 1 0 9
France La Rochelle 2 2 0 0 41 8 +33 6 1 1 0 9
Wales Scarlets 2 2 0 0 51 19 +32 6 2 1 0 9
Scotland Edinburgh 2 1 0 1 24 28 -4 2 4 0 1 5
France Toulon 2 1 0 1 26 42 -16 2 6 0 0 4
England Sale Sharks 2 0 0 2 29 42 -13 4 3 0 1 1
England Northampton Saints 2 0 0 2 31 51 -20 3 5 0 1 1
England Bath 2 0 0 2 19 51 -32 2 6 0 1 1
France Montpellier 2 0 0 2 28 68 -40 3 10 0 0 0
Wales Dragons 2 0 0 2 16 71 -55 2 11 0 0 0

[33]

Honours[]

Honours
Competition Winners Season(s) Runners-up Season(s)
European Rugby Champions Cup[note 2] 4 2009, 2011, 2012, 2018 1 2019
European Rugby Challenge Cup[note 3] 1 2013 - -
United Rugby Championship[note 4] 8 2002, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2018,
2019, 2020, 2021 		5 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016
British & Irish Cup[note 5] 2 2013, 2014 1 2018
Celtic Cup[note 6] 2 2019, 2020 - -
Irish Inter-Provincial Championship[note 7][34] 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

Colours and crest[]

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.[35] 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[]

RDS Arena[]

Main article: RDS Arena
The RDS Arena

Leinster's current home ground is the RDS Arena.[36] 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.[37] The RDS will be Leinster's home until 2027, as a 20-year lease was signed in 2007.[38]

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.[39] 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.[40]

Inside the RDS Arena prior to a Leinster Game

Aviva Stadium[]

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,[41] and then against ASM Clermont Auvergne.[42][43][44] 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.[45] 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[]

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.[46] 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[47] 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.[48][49]

Supporters[]

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.[50] 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.[50] Leinster had 3,700 season ticket holders in 2006, double the number of the previous season.[50] 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.[51]

Leinster have the best support of any club in the PRO12 league and had an average attendance of 17,717 in the 2014–15 Pro12 season.[52] Leinster currently have roughly 12,500 season ticket holders.[53]

The Leinster Jet

Leinster hold the record for the biggest Pro12 attendance. On 2 October 2010, Leinster played Munster 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. Leinster won the match 13–9.[54]

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.[55] 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.[56] Leinsters European Cup clash against Munster at Croke Park on 2 May 2009 set a world record attendance for a club rugby union game with a crowd of 82,208.[57] The Official Leinster Supporters Club was formally established as a club in 2007.[58]

Leinster A[]

Leinster A is the team that represents Leinster in the British & Irish Cup,[59] 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.[60]

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.[61]

Sponsorship[]

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 will be supplied by Adidas. 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.[62] During the 2013–14 season the contest was won by Dublin-based meat wholesaler Gahan Meats[63] and for 2014–15 the shirt sponsorship winners were accounting software provider Big Red Cloud.[64] The sponsorship prize package is valued at €50,000 and attracts hundreds of companies keen to be shortlisted each year.[65] 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 & Coaches[]

Position Name Nationality
Chief Executive Mick Dawson  Ireland
Head of Rugby Operations Guy Easterby  Ireland
Head Coach Leo Cullen  Ireland
Senior Coach Stuart Lancaster  England
Assistant Coach Robin McBryde  Wales
Backs Coach Felipe Contepomi  Argentina
Kicking Coach & Head Analyst Emmet Farrell  Ireland
Contact Skills Coach Hugh Hogan  Ireland

Current squad[]

For player movements before or during the 2021–22 season, see List of 2021–22 United Rugby Championship transfers § Leinster.
Leinster Rugby United Rugby Championship squad[a]

Props

Hookers

Locks

Back row

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

  • Ireland Adam Byrne
  • Ireland Dave Kearney
  • Ireland Jordan Larmour
  • Ireland James Lowe

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.[66]
  1. ^ Taking into account signings and departures head of 2021–22 season as listed on List of 2021–22 United Rugby Championship transfers.

Academy squad[]

Leinster Rugby Academy squad[a]

Props

  • Ireland Jack Boyle (1)
  • Ireland Marcus Hanan (2)
  • Ireland Temi Lasisi (1)

Hookers

  • Ireland Lee Barron (1)
  • Ireland John McKee (2)

Locks

  • Ireland Brian Deeny (3)
  • Ireland Joe McCarthy (2)
  • Ireland Charlie Ryan (3)

Back row

  • Ireland Mark Hernan (1)
  • Ireland Martin Moloney (3)
  • Ireland Seán O'Brien (2)
  • Ireland Alex Soroka (2)

Scrum-halves

  • Ireland Cormac Foley (3)
  • Ireland Ben Murphy (1)

Fly-halves

  • None currently named

Centres

Wings

Fullbacks

  • Ireland Chris Cosgrave (1)
(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.[67]
  1. ^ Taking into account signings and departures head of 2021–22 season as listed on List of 2021–22 United Rugby Championship transfers.

Results versus representative sides[]

Scores and results list Leinster's points tally first.
Date Opponent Location Result Score Notes
17 November 1945 New Zealand New Zealand Kiwis[note 8] 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
22 January 1964 New Zealand New Zealand Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 3–11 Match Programme
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
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
8 November 1989 New Zealand New Zealand Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 9–36 Match Programme
17 October 1992 Australia Australia Lansdowne Road, Dublin Lost 11–38 Match Programme
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

Records against European Cup and United Rugby Championship opponents in the professional era (1995–present)[]

Against Played† Won Drawn Lost % Won
France Agen 2 2 0 0 100.00%
Italy Aironi 4 4 0 0 100.00%
Italy Benetton 25 21 2 2 84.00%
England Bath 11 9 0 2 81.82%
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 2 2 0 0 100.00%
France Brive 2 2 0 0 100.00%
Wales Cardiff Blues 34 27 2 5 79.41%
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 9 5 0 4 55.55%
Ireland Connacht 37 28 0 9 75.68%
Wales Dragons 36 27 0 9 75%
Wales Ebbw Vale RFC 1 1 0 0 100.00%
Scotland Edinburgh 40 25 1 14 62.5%
England Exeter Chiefs 5 5 0 0 100.00%
Scotland Glasgow Warriors 51 34 2 15 66.67%
England Gloucester 2 1 0 1 50.00%
England Harlequins 3 2 0 1 66.67%
France La Rochelle 1 0 0 1 0.00%
England Leicester Tigers 11 6 0 5 54.55%
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 7 5 1 1 71.43%
Ireland Munster 47 29 1 17 61.7%
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 10 9 0 1 90%
Wales Ospreys 39 23 3 13 58.97%
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 3 3 0 0 100.00%
England Sale Sharks 2 1 0 1 50.00%
England Saracens 5 3 0 2 60.00%
Wales Scarlets 40 26 2 12 65%
South Africa Southern Kings 3 3 0 0 100.00%
France Stade Français 5 2 0 3 40.00%
Wales Swansea RFC 3 3 0 0 100.00%
France Toulon 4 0 0 4 0.00%
France Toulouse 12 6 0 6 50.00%
Ireland Ulster 47 36 3 8 76.6%
England Wasps 11 6 1 4 54.55%
Italy Zebre 15 15 0 0 100%
Total 586 412 20 154 70.31%

†Matches played as part of the Irish Interprovincial Rugby Championship, separate from Celtic League fixtures, are not included in this table.
Correct as of 4 June 2021.[68]

Since the inception of the Celtic league, Leinster have dominated their Irish provincial rivals Ulster, with a 35–8 win:loss record. Similarly, Leinster enjoy a 28–9 win:loss ratio against western province Connacht. Leinster also hold a 29–17 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. Stade Francais lead Leinster 3–2, while 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. Stade Toulousain (Toulouse) and Leinster are 6–6 after 12 matches between the two teams.

Notable players[]

See also Category:Leinster Rugby players.

Club captains[]

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)
Jonathan Sexton 2018–19 – present United Rugby Championship: 3 (2019, 2020, 2021)

British & Irish Lions[]

The following Leinster players have also represented the British & Irish Lions.[34] Bold indicates tour captain.

Year Tour Series Result Players
1888 New ZealandNew Zealand
AustraliaAustralia 		No Test —
1891 South AfricaSouth 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 ArgentinaArgentina 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)
Jonathan Sexton
2017 New ZealandNew Zealand 1–1–1 Tadhg Furlong
Robbie Henshaw
Jack McGrath
Seán O'Brien (2)
Jonathan Sexton (2)
2021 South AfricaSouth Africa 1–2 Jack Conan
Tadhg Furlong (2)
Robbie Henshaw (2)
Ronan Kelleher
Andrew Porter

Notable overseas players[]

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
Ben Te'o† 2014/15 - 2015/16
Brad Thorn* 2012
South Africa South Africa Zane Kirchner 2013/14 - 2016/17
Ollie Le Roux 2007/08 - 2008/09
CJ van der Linde* 2008/09 - 2009/10
Heinke van der Merwe* 2010/11 - 2012/13
Rest of the World RussiaVasily Artemiev 2006/07
RussiaAdam Byrnes 2005/06
EnglandWill Green 2005/06 - 2006/07
ScotlandNathan Hines 2009/10 - 2010/11
FijiIsa Nacewa 2008/09 - 2012/13;
2015/16 - 2017/18
Cook IslandsStan Wright 2006/07 - 2010/11
SamoaMichael Ala'alatoa 2021/22 - Present
SamoaFosi Pala'amo 2006/07

* indicates World Cup winners
† Ben Te'o subsequently represented England at international level

Head coaches (professional era)[]

As of 11 June 2021[note 9]
Coach Season(s) GP† W D L Win % Loss % Championships / Notes
Ireland Jim Glennon‡ 1995/96 – 1996/97 14 9 0 5 64.29% 35.71% Interprovincial Championship (1996)
Wales Mike Ruddock 1997/98 – 1999/00 34 16 0 18 47.06% 52.94% Interprovincial Championship (1998)
Australia Matt Willams 2000/01 – 2002/03 46 31 3 12 67.39% 26.09% United Rugby Championship (2002)
Interprovincial Championship (2002)
Australia Gary Ella 2003/04 30 14 2 14 46.7% 46.7%
Ireland Declan Kidney 2004/05 26 17 1 8 65.38% 30.77%
Ireland Gerry Murphy 2004/05 3 2 0 1 66.67% 33.33% Interim Coach
Australia Michael Cheika 2005/06 – 2009/10 134 88 4 42 65.67% 31.34% European Cup (2009)
United Rugby Championship (2008)
New Zealand Joe Schmidt 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 2013/14 – 2014/15 61 40 5 16 65.57% 26.23% United Rugby Championship (2014)
Ireland Leo Cullen 2015/16 – Present 176 135 3 38 76.7% 21.59% European Cup (2018)
United Rugby Championship (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
United Rugby Championship Coach of the year (2018)
Total 1995 – Present 623 429 21 173 68.86% 27.77% –

†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.[69]

Personnel honours and records[]

(correct as of 11 June 2021)[70]

Bold indicates active player

World Rugby Player of the Year[]

Inaugurated 2001

Season Nominated Winner
2001 Brian O'Driscoll —
2002 Brian O'Driscoll (2) —
2004 Gordon D'Arcy —
2009 Jamie Heaslip , Brian O'Driscoll (3) —
2014 Jonathan Sexton —
2016 Jamie Heaslip (2) —
2018 Jonathan Sexton (2) Jonathan Sexton

World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year[]

Inaugurated 2015

Nominated (3 nominees per year)

Season Nominated Winner
2018 Jordan Larmour —

World Rugby Junior Player of the Year[]

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[]

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[71] Seán O'Brien
2011–12 Rob Kearney, Jonathan Sexton[72] Rob Kearney
2012–13 Jamie Heaslip (2)[73] —
2013–14 — —
2014–15 Jamie Heaslip (3)[74] —
2015-16 — —
2016-17 Garry Ringrose —
2017-18 Australia Scott Fardy, Tadhg Furlong, Jonathan Sexton (2)[75] —
2018-19 Seán Cronin, Tadhg Furlong (2), Garry Ringrose (2) —
2019-20 Tadhg Furlong (3), Jordan Larmour, Garry Ringrose (3) —
2020-21 — —

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 —

Rugby Champions Cup player records

Statistics do not include European Rugby Challenge Cup matches. Updated as of 3 May 2021.[76]

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.[77]

United Rugby Championship[]

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 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[78] —
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 AustraliaScott Fardy, New ZealandJames Lowe
2018–19 — AustraliaScott Fardy (2)
2019–20 Will Connors, Max Deegan AustraliaScott Fardy (3)
2020–21[79] Michael Bent, Dave Kearney, Scott Penny —

Pro 14 Player Records

Category Player Total
Tries Dave Kearney 44
Appearances Devin Toner 180
Points Felipe Contepomi 877

Updated 6 June 2021

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 Jonathan 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
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

United Rugby Championship Team Awards

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

End-of-season club awards[]

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[80] Rocky Elsom Cian Healy Felipe Contepomi
2009–10[81] Jamie Heaslip Rhys Ruddock Shane Jennings
2010–11[82] Isa Nacewa Eoin O'Malley Shane Horgan
2011–12[83] Rob Kearney Ian Madigan -
2012–13[84] Ian Madigan Jordi Murphy -
2013–14[85] Jack McGrath Marty Moore -
2014–15[86] Seán Cronin Jack Conan, Peter Dooley -
2015–16[87] Ben Te'o Josh Van Der Flier -
2016–17[88] Luke McGrath Joey Carbery Isa Nacewa
2017–18[89] Dan Leavy James Ryan Dan Leavy
2018–19[90] James Ryan Max Deegan Seán Cronin
2019–20[91] Garry Ringrose Caelan Doris -
2020–21[92] Robbie Henshaw Ronan Kelleher Josh van der Flier

See also[]

Notes[]

  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 2009 to 2018
  6. ^ Contested from 2019 to 2020
  7. ^ Contested from 1946 to 2002 – Bold indicates Grand Slam; * indicates shared title; years shown are season ending years
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ Original research sourced from http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/team/results/index.php

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External links[]

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