Reason revealed for ‘unfair’ Champions Cup final KO time for Leinster

Well that's interesting!

The Irish province will be hoping to finally get the monkey off their back and earn a fifth star, after years of heartbreak since the 2018 title, which includes four final losses.

The French team - last year's winners - are most people's pick, given their forward dynamism mixed with electric pace and attacking flare.

However, Leinster's pragmatic approach and defence will be their sternest test thus far.

Leinster boss Leo Cullen agreed that his opponents are the best side in Europe, and also added: “No one’s giving us a chance. But we’ll do everything we can to give ourselves the best chance.”

Pundit Bernard Jackman, however, is more confidence than most on Leinster's chances this weekend.

Speaking on the RTÉ Rugby podcast, he said: “I think Leinster have come full circle.

“There’s been a lot to like about how Leinster have been defending over the last three or four weeks. [There’s also] the energy, the power in their ball carry and the form of certain players.

“Joe McCarthy is stepping up, Hugo Keenan coming in fresh and hitting the ground running, the competition between Robbie Henshaw and Jamie Osborne, Rieko Ioane, James Lowe being fit.

“Leinster are just peaking at the right time.”

A talking point on social media in the build up to the clash has been the kick-off time, and specifically the temperature in the late afternoon, when the Spanish city will be near its hottest.

Forecasts put it at around 27C, but it will feel like much more with the sun blaring down while playing at the highest and most intense level of club rugby.

Naturally, Bordeaux will be better suited to the heat, and there is a strong argument that it should be held in the evening, around 7.30pm.

The curious reason for the KO time was revealed on X by Premier Sports Head of Production Gary Muldoon.

He wrote: "At 3:45 to suit French broadcasters coverage of Cannes film festival closing ceremony in the evening. Not a joke."