Leinster Rugby
Founded1879 (1879)
LocationDublin, Ireland
Ground(s)RDS Arena
(Capacity: 18,500)
Aviva Stadium
(Capacity: 51,700)
Coach(es)Leo Cullen
Captain(s)James Ryan, Garry Ringrose
Most capsDevin Toner (280)
Top scorerJohnny Sexton (1,646)
Most triesShane Horgan (69)
League(s)United Rugby Championship
2022–23Semi-finals
1st Irish Shield
(1st overall)
1st kit
2nd 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. They are well known for being complete bottlers and a pathetic team to support.

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

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 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)

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)

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)

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]

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, 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.

Return to success (2018–present)

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-up in the 2018-19 final, losing 20–10 to Saracens F.C.[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

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

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

2023–24 United Rugby Championship
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TB LB Pts
1Ireland Leinster9702257161+9636205134
2Italy Benetton9711192161+3122222032
3Scotland Glasgow Warriors9603244192+5236196131
4Ireland Ulster9603217208+926302228
5Scotland Edinburgh9603200198+222251126
6South Africa Bulls8503294182+11240214226
7South Africa Stormers9504213163+5026223326
8Wales Ospreys9504203180+2327214125
9Ireland Connacht9504215215024281324
10Ireland Munster9414184153+3123163324
11South Africa Lions8404230175+5529213423
12Wales Cardiff9315227204+2329262521
13Wales Scarlets9207148310–16219412212
14Italy Zebre Parma9117194319–12527463312
15Wales Dragons9207142306–16416420210
16South Africa Sharks9108173206–332325149
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 play-off places and earn a place in the 2024–25 European Champions Cup

Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2024–25 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.

    2023–24 United Rugby Championship Regional Shield Pools
    Ireland Irish Shield
    Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts Pos overall
    1Ireland Leinster43017563+1210711141st
    2Ireland Ulster43018376+791101134th
    3Ireland Connacht42028573+1210802109th
    4Ireland Munster40044273–313603310th
    Italy Scotland Scottish/Italian Shield
    Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts Pos overall
    1Italy Benetton430110386+17131220142nd
    2Scotland Glasgow Warriors32016241+219311103rd
    3Scotland Edinburgh31025160–9680155th
    4Italy Zebre Parma20023867–2951001114th
    South Africa South African Shield
    Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts Pos overall
    1South Africa Stormers33007768+971010137th
    2South Africa Bulls21016436+28931166th
    3South Africa Lions2101535307611611th
    4South Africa Sharks30034380–375902216th
    Wales Welsh Shield
    Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP Pts Pos overall
    1Wales Ospreys43018861+2712520148th
    2Wales Cardiff5203140117+231716131212th
    3Wales Scarlets520392117–251213211113th
    4Wales Dragons42026388–2561301915th
    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.

      European Rugby Champions Cup

      Pool A

      2022–23 European Rugby Champions Cup Pool A
      P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
      Ireland Leinster 440018434+1502854020
      England Exeter Chiefs 430113968+712084016
      South Africa Sharks 430111989+3015113015
      England Saracens 430112094+2615112115
      Scotland Edinburgh 430111185+2612112115
      England Harlequins 4202113108+516133112
      South Africa Bulls 4202102139–3715192010
      England Gloucester 420262140–78920109
      France Lyon 4103115125–101617318
      France Racing 92 410360121–61718015
      France Bordeaux Bègles 40045399–46513022
      France Castres 400456132–76618000
      Green background (rows 1 to 8) indicates qualification places for the Champions Cup round of 16.
      Blue background (rows 9 to 10) indicates qualification places for the Challenge Cup round of 16.
      Starting table — source: European Professional Club Rugby

      Honours

      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 3 2018–19, 2021–22, 2022-23
      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] 2 2021–22, 2022–23 - -
      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

      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

      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

      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

      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

      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

      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
       •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 2022–23 season.[63]

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

      Leinster A

      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 Cup614621375.41%2012–13, 2013–14
      Celtic Cup151500100.00%2018–19, 2019–20
      Total766121380.26%

      Updated as of 12 April 2021.[66]

      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.[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

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

      Current squad

      Leinster Rugby United Rugby Championship squad[lower-alpha 1]

      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

      Leinster Rugby Academy squad[lower-alpha 1]

      Props

      • Ireland Jack Boyle (3)
      • Ireland Temi Lasisi (3)
      • Ireland Paddy McCarthy (1)
      • Ireland Rory McGuire (2)

      Hookers

      • Ireland Gus McCarthy (1)

      Locks

      • Ireland Diarmuid Mangan (2)
      • Ireland Conor O'Tighearnaigh (1)

      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.
      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

      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)

      Against Played Won Drawn Lost % Won
      France Agen2200100.00%
      Italy Aironi4400100.00%
      Italy Benetton27232285.19%
      England Bath13110284.62%
      France Biarritz640266.67%
      France Bordeaux210150.00%
      Scotland Border Reivers1070370.00%
      France Bourgoin430175.00%
      Wales Bridgend2200100.00%
      England Bristol2200100.00%
      France Brive2200100.00%
      South Africa Bulls310233.33%
      Wales Cardiff Blues36282677.78%
      Wales Cardiff RFC1100100%
      France Castres861175.00%
      Wales Celtic Warriors20020.00%
      South Africa Cheetahs430175%
      France Clermont Auvergne950455.55%
      Ireland Connacht*44350979.55%
      Wales Dragons39300976.92%
      Wales Ebbw Vale RFC1100100.00%
      Scotland Edinburgh432811465.12%
      England Exeter Chiefs5500100.00%
      Scotland Glasgow Warriors553721667.27%
      England Gloucester430175%
      England Harlequins320166.67%
      France La Rochelle410325.00%
      South Africa Lions2200100%
      England Leicester Tigers1380561.54%
      Wales Llanelli RFC1100100%
      England London Irish20110.00%
      France Lyon2200100.00%
      France Montpellier861175%
      Ireland Munster*543511864.81%
      Italy Milan320166.67%
      England Newcastle Falcons2200100.00%
      Wales Newport RFC4400100.00%
      England Northampton Saints1090190%
      Wales Ospreys412531360.98%
      France Pau1100100.00%
      France Perpignan10010.00%
      Wales Pontypridd RFC2200100%
      France Racing 925500100.00%
      England Sale Sharks320166.67%
      England Saracens530260.00%
      Wales Scarlets432921267.44%
      South Africa Sharks430175.00%
      South Africa Southern Kings3300100.00%
      France Stade Français630350.00%
      South Africa Stormers20110.00%
      Wales Swansea RFC3300100.00%
      France Toulon40040.00%
      France Toulouse1480657.14%
      Ireland Ulster*533931173.58%
      England Wasps1161454.55%
      Italy Zebre171700100%
      Total6544672116671.41%
       *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 13 January 2024.[75]

      Since the inception of the Celtic league, Leinster have dominated their Irish provincial rivals Ulster, with a 39–11 win–loss record. Similarly, Leinster enjoy a 35–9 win–loss ratio against western province Connacht. Leinster also hold a 35–18 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 3–1 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.

      Notable players

      See also Category:Leinster Rugby players.

      Club captains

      Professional era only

      CaptainSeason(s)Championships/Notes
      Kurt McQuilkin1997–98Interprovincial Championship: 1 (1998)
      Gabriel Fulcher1998–99
      Liam Toland1999–00 – 2000–01
      Reggie Corrigan2001–02 – 2004–05United Rugby Championship: 1 (2002)
      Interprovincial Championship: 1 (2002)
      Brian O'Driscoll2005–06 – 2007–08United Rugby Championship: 1 (2008)
      Leo Cullen2008–09 – 2013–14European Cup: 3 (2009, 2011, 2012)
      Challenge Cup: 1 (2013)
      United Rugby Championship: 2 (2013, 2014)
      Jamie Heaslip2014–15
      Kevin McLaughlin2015Retired mid-season due to injury
      Isa Nacewa2015–16 – 2017–18European Cup: 1 (2018)
      United Rugby Championship: 1 (2018)
      Johnny Sexton2018–19 – 2022–23United Rugby Championship: 3 (2019, 2020, 2021)
      Irish Shield: 2 (2022, 2023)
      James Ryan
      Garry Ringrose
      2023–24 –

      British & Irish Lions

      The following Leinster players have also represented the British & Irish Lions.[39] 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)
      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

      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 – 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
      Georgia (country) Vakh Abdaladze 2017/18 – Present
      * indicates World Cup winners
      † Ben Te'o subsequently represented England at international level

      Head coaches (professional era)

      As of 13 January 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 246 192 4 50 78.05% 20.33% European Cup (2018)
      United Rugby Championship (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
      United Rugby Championship Coach of the year (2018, 2022)
      Irish Shield (2022, 2023)
      Total1995 – Present6934862218570.13%26.7%
       *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

      (correct as of 13 January 2024)[85]

      Bold indicates active player

      World Rugby Player of the Year

      Inaugurated 2001

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

      World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year

      Inaugurated 2015

      Nominated (3 nominees per year)

      SeasonNominatedWinner
      2018Jordan Larmour
      2022[86]Dan Sheehan

      World Rugby Junior Player of the Year

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

      SeasonNominatedWinner
      2014Garry Ringrose
      2016Max DeeganMax 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)PlayerPosition
      2008–2009Australia Rocky Elsom*Flanker
      1999–2014Brian O'DriscollCentre

      * 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

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

      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.

      SeasonIrish playersForeign players
      2020–21Rónan Kelleher, Josh van der Flier
      2021–22Rónan Kelleher (2), Tadhg Furlong, Ross Molony, Josh van der Flier (2), Johnny Sexton, James Lowe, Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan

      Rugby Champions Cup player records

      Statistics do not include European Rugby Challenge Cup matches. Updated as of 13 January 2024.[95][96][97]

      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.[98]

      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.

      SeasonIrish playersForeign players
      2006–07Jamie Heaslip, Gordon D'Arcy, Denis HickieArgentina Felipe Contepomi
      2007–08Jamie Heaslip (2), Leo Cullen, Bernard Jackman, Malcolm O'KellyArgentina Felipe Contepomi (2), South Africa Ollie Le Roux, Cook Islands Stan Wright
      2008–09Jamie Heaslip (3), Brian O'DriscollAustralia Rocky Elsom
      2009–10Jamie Heaslip (4), Brian O'Driscoll (2), Leo Cullen (2)
      2010–11Jamie Heaslip (5), Richardt Strauss, Seán O'Brien, Mike RossFiji Isa Nacewa
      2011–12Richardt Strauss (2)Fiji Isa Nacewa (2)
      2012–13Ian Madigan
      2013–14Seán Cronin, Jordi Murphy, Rhys Ruddock[99]
      2014–15
      2015–16Josh van der FlierFiji Isa Nacewa (3), New Zealand Ben Te'o
      2016–17Jack Conan, Dan Leavy
      2017–18Andrew Porter, Jack Conan (2), Jordan LarmourAustraliaScott Fardy, New ZealandJames Lowe
      2018–19AustraliaScott Fardy (2)
      2019–20Will Connors, Max DeeganAustraliaScott Fardy (3)
      2020–21[100]Michael Bent, Dave Kearney, Scott Penny
      2021–22[101]Ross Byrne
      2022–23[102]Ross Byrne (2), Scott Penny (2), Dan Sheehan

      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[103]

      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)

      SeasonWinnerPercentage
      2011-12Johnny Sexton90%
      2012-13Ian Madigan87%
      2014-15Ian Madigan87%

      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[104] N/A

      United Rugby Championship Team Awards

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

      End-of-season club awards

      SeasonPlayer of the YearYoung Player of the YearSupporters' Player of the Year
      2006–07Gordon D'ArcyLuke Fitzgerald, Felix Jones
      2007–08Bernard JackmanLuke FitzgeraldKeith Gleeson
      2008–09[105]Rocky ElsomCian HealyFelipe Contepomi
      2009–10[106]Jamie HeaslipRhys RuddockShane Jennings
      2010–11[107]Isa NacewaEoin O'MalleyShane Horgan
      2011–12[108]Rob KearneyIan Madigan
      2012–13[109]Ian MadiganJordi Murphy
      2013–14[110]Jack McGrathMarty Moore
      2014–15[111]Seán CroninJack Conan, Peter Dooley
      2015–16[112]Ben Te'oJosh Van Der Flier
      2016–17[113]Luke McGrathJoey CarberyIsa Nacewa
      2017–18[114]Dan LeavyJames RyanDan Leavy
      2018–19[115]James RyanMax DeeganSeán Cronin
      2019–20[116]Garry RingroseCaelan Doris
      2020–21[117]Robbie HenshawRonan KelleherJosh van der Flier
      2021–22[118]Josh van der FlierDan SheehanCiarán Frawley
      2022–23[119]Caelan DorisScott PennyGarry Ringrose

      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 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

      References

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      2. "Irish Interprovincial rugby championship". BBC Sport. 1 September 2000.
      3. "History". Irish Rugby. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
      4. "Team History Archive". Irish Rugby. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
      5. 1 2 3 4 5 "About Leinster Rugby: The Branch". Leinster Rugby. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
      6. "Lions get off to a roaring start". Irish Times.
      7. "10 Things Only Real Leinster Rugby Fans Know To Be true". EVOKE.ie. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
      8. "Leinster win Irish battle". BBC Sport. BBC. 15 December 2001. Retrieved 31 May 2010.
      9. "Pro12 History". Celtic Rugby.
      10. O'Sullivan, John. "Sad as Leinster fail to show". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012.
      11. "RaboDirectPRO12 : History : Season 2007-2008". Archived from the original on 26 September 2011.
      12. "Castres 18–15 Leinster". RTÉ News. 12 December 2008.
      13. Thornley, Gerry (2 May 2009). "Leinster bring all the emotion, the intelligence and the rugby". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2 May 2009.
      14. Thornley, Gerry (23 May 2009). "Leinster soar highest in bluest of blue days". European Club Rugby. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
      15. "RaboDirectPRO12 : History : Season 2009-2010". Archived from the original on 26 September 2011.
      16. "Clubs | Heineken Cup | ERC | Official Website : Leinster". Archived from the original on 25 February 2014.
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