COT captains the A team this weekend so looks like we’ll see Deeny/Mangan and one of Ryan/Joe in the senior squad potentially.
https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/2026/05/07/conor-otighearnaigh-to-captain-leinster-a-for-ulster-a-clash
Hopefully this is a sign that Baird might return before end of season although that may be 2+2=5.
Obviously injuries pending, particularly regarding Conan and Henshaw, and we’ve two big league games to play, but I’d hope we can put out the following for the final:
Porter, Sheehan, Clarkson, Ryan, McCarthy, Conan, VDF, Doris, JGP, Byrne, Lowe, Osborne/Henshaw, Ringrose, TOB, Keenan
Kelleher, Cahir, Furlong, Deegan, Penny, McGrath Frawley, Henshaw/Osborne
A fit J Lowe makes a big difference if he can find a bit of form. Wouldn’t have Ioane in the 23.
I think we now have to go Frawley and would select him at 10 in one of the league games.
Soroka v Deegan is a tough call but Max has the experience factor.
That bench looks a good bit stronger than yesterday and should give the final a good rattle.
The amount of negativity around Leinster this season has been staggering. From media, from opposition, even from our own fans. The lack of excitement is palpable, and part of it is the frustration and embarrassment of what happened at this stage last year.
In a Lions year which has been hugely interrupted regarding player availability, compounded by loads of injuries, we’ve certainly flattered to deceive at times.
But this is a chance to avenge a few things. To finally beat Toulon in this tournament, to make a statement to the rest of Europe and to one step closer to 5 stars.
Let’s remind ourselves that we’ve the shot at a mid table Top14 team in a home European semi final, with the carrot of another crack at the holy grail afterwards.
Whatever the team selected/available, it’ll be stacked full of Lions, Irish internationals and high quality players who are desperate to win a Champions Cup. We’ve at least four guys who would be in contention for a World XV.
We’ve an aggressive, mobile pack with loads of carriers. We’ve defensive lineout threats, two hookers that are far beyond what any team left in the comp can put out, a 4/5 pairing who will crack skulls, a former WPOTY and a Lions test starter in the backrow, a captain and a 9 who can win games on their own, a 10 who can tackle and kick goals, a 14 who’s in the form of his life and will literally run through brick walls, a 15 who’s reminding everyone why he’s the best in the world.
For years, we’ve heard from media that ‘Leinster haven’t really been challenged’ until this stage of the tournament. This year we certainly have been challenged, and we’ve come through numerous very tight games. The muscle memory of pressure is there.
My ask of anyone reading this is simple – for the next 48 hours at least, just suspend any gripes you may have about coaching, selection or whatever and get behind the side.
If you can remember it, try to summon up some of the excitement that was around in 09, 11 and 12. Get positive.
The 35k odd in the stadium tomorrow will be mainly made up of the ‘hardcore’ base. It’s up to them to actually make the atmosphere intense and get behind the side, because they’ll need it.
Get in to the ground early, leave the pints for afterwards (or have plenty before), wear blue and remind Toulon that this is big boy stuff now.
If you can’t do that, then stay on the couch and watch something else.
TLDR?
ALLEZ LES F*CKIN BLEUS!
Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen has issued an injury update ahead of Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup semi-final against RC Toulon at Aviva Stadium (KO: 3pm, live on Premier Sports 1).
AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION:
N/A.
FURTHER ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:
James Lowe, Diarmuid Mangan and Jordan Larmour all return to training this week with further assessment required.
Tadhg Furlong is due to be further assessed and a decision on his availability will be made later in the week.
Andrew Porter is due to be further assessed and a decision on his availability will be made later in the week.
NOT AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION:
Ryan Baird is not available for selection this week.
Charlie Tector is not available for selection after a shoulder injury sustained on Saturday.
NO FURTHER UPDATES ON:
Jack Boyle, Paddy McCarthy, RG Snyman, Alex Usanov.
