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Leinster icon reveals the two players who will be key to Champions Cup glory

Published 12:22 20 May 2026 BST

Updated 12:24 20 May 2026 BST

Jack Fennessy
Leinster icon reveals the two players who will be key to Champions Cup glory

Homerugby

An interesting take!

Leinster face defending champions, Bordeaux, this Saturday as they hope to end their eight-year heartbreak in Bilbao, at the very same ground they last lifted the cup in 2018.

The Blues just about edged their way past RC Toulon in the semi-final to set up a chance of claiming their coveted fifth star.

However, they'll face a tough task against the reigning champs, with the French side are looking to become just the sixth team in history to win the cup back-to-back.

Although, both sides have boasted an unbeaten record on their way to the final, one teams record will have to give when they meet in Bilbao.

Leinster legend Gordon D'Arcy has outlined the key for his old side on Saturday.

He wrote in the Irish Times: "The halfback partnership of Jamison Gibson-Park and Harry Byrne has developed into something genuinely appealing and has the lingering promise of more.

"Gibson-Park has always been what the French call “le petit général”. He is the metronome....

"Byrne has added a willingness to operate as a genuine first receiver, holding the defensive line and releasing the ball with accuracy and timing.

"The outhalves winning at the highest level right now – Jack Crowley, Matthieu Jalibert, Finn Russell and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – all share that quality."

How to watch Leinster v Bordeaux

The game will be live on Premier Sports 1, with coverage starting at 1.45pm. 

Leo Cullen has issued an injury update for Leinster ahead of the final. Winger Tommy O'Brien is a big concern for the Blues, and is due to be further assessed after withdrawing from the squad during Saturday's 68-14 triumph over Ospreys.

Joshua Kenny, Brian Deeny and Paddy McCarthy will be assessed this week as well, while Hugh Cooney is ruled out for the rest of the season.

Both teams are expected to announce their squads for the final on Saturday, tomorrow.

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