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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.<ref>[http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/aboutus/harp.php About Leinster Rugby:Harp] Leinster Rugby</ref> The Leinster Rugby crest is on all official club merchandise including replica jerseys.
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.<ref>[http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/aboutus/harp.php About Leinster Rugby:Harp] Leinster Rugby</ref> The Leinster Rugby crest is on all official club merchandise including replica jerseys.


The province's current kit is blue with a white harp and 12 white lines, which represent the 12 counties of [[Leinster]], whilst the second kit is white with a blue harp and 12 blue lines.
The province's current kit is blue with a white harp and 12 navy lines, which represent the 12 counties of [[Leinster]], whilst the second kit is white with a blue harp and 12 blue lines.


The Leinster jersey also features three stars above the crest, to represent the three [[Heineken Cup|European Cup]] titles won to date.
The Leinster jersey also features three stars above the crest, to represent the three [[Heineken Cup|European Cup]] titles won to date.

Revision as of 10:26, 13 May 2016

Leinster Rugby
Leinster Rugby Logo
Nickname(s)Les Bleus, Boys in Blue
Founded1879; 145 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)Isa Nacewa
Most capsGordon D'Arcy (257)
Top scorerFelipe Contepomi (1,225)
Most triesShane Horgan (69)
League(s)Pro12
2015–161st
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
www.leinsterrugby.ie
The four provinces of Ireland

Leinster Rugby (Irish: Rugbaí Laighean) is one of the four professional provincial rugby teams from the island of Ireland and the most successful Irish team both domestically and in European competition. They compete in the Pro12 and the European Rugby Champions Cup. The team represents the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) Leinster Branch, which is one of four primary branches of the IRFU and is responsible for rugby union throughout the geographical Irish province of Leinster.

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 Pro12 (formerly known as the Celtic League and the Magners League) since it was founded in 2001, having previously competed in the annual Irish interprovincial championship.[2] Leinster "A" competes in the British and Irish Cup. Leinster have four times been Pro12 champions and three times champions of Europe.

History

Founding (1875–1899)

The Leinster Branch was inaugurated at a meeting on the 31st of October, 1879. The meeting was held at Lawrence's premises 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 1875 – 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 Irelands 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]

The clubs represented at the meeting were; Wanderers, Lansdowne, Arlington School, Dublin University, Dundalk, Phoenix F.C. and Stephen's Hospital.

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, April 7, 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.

The Leinster Schools Senior Cup, which is one of the biggest annual events in Leinster Rugby commenced in 1887. The competition is still one of the most prestigious competitions to win in Leinster Rugby to date. The first official Leinster Senior Challenge Cup was created in 1881. Once this knock out competition was firmly established, there was a natural demand for a competitive league. Thus the Senior Challenge Cup was followed by the Senior League.

The other natural progression was the creation of leagues to follow all cups played at all levels of competition such as the Junior Cup and the Junior League, the Third A Cup (Moran Cup) by the Junior 3 League and so on.[5]

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 occasion 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 however, 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".

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.[7] 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.[8] 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.[9]

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 success (2008–Present)

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.[10]

In the 2008–09 season, Leinster topped their European Cup pool despite away losses to French side Castres and English side Wasps.[11] 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.[12] Leinster won the 2009 European Cup Final in Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, beating Leicester Tigers 19–16 to claim their first European crown.[13]

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.[14]

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).[15] 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.[16][17] Leinster were also chasing a Pro12 & European Cup double, but lost 19–9 to Irish rivals Munster in the Pro12 Final.[18]

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[19] and went on to defeat the Cardiff Blues 34–3 in the quarterfinals,[20] followed by a 19–15 semifinal victory over ASM Clermont Auvergne.[21] 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.[22] Once again, Leinster targeted the double, and faced a repeat of the 2010 Pro12 final against the Ospreys. However, 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.[23]

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.[24] 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.[25] Leinster successfully completed the double on 25 May, defeating Ulster 24–18 in the Pro12 final to claim their third league championship.[26][27]

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.[28]

Previous season standings

Heineken Cup / Champions Cup

Season Pool/Round Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
1995–96 Pool C 1st 2 2 0 0 – 4
Semi-final Leinster 14 – 23 Cardiff
1996–97 Pool B 3rd 4 2 0 2 – 4
1997–98 Pool A 3rd 6 2 0 4 – 4
1998–99 Pool A 4th 6 2 0 4 – 4
1999–00 Pool 1 2nd 6 4 0 2 – 8
2000–01 Pool 1 2nd 6 3 1 2 – 7
2001–02 Pool 6 1st 6 5 0 1 – 10
Quarter-final Leicester Tigers 29 – 18 Leinster
2002–03 Pool 4 1st 6 6 0 0 – 12
Quarter-final Leinster 18 – 13 Biarritz Olympique
Semi-final Leinster 14 – 21 USA Perpignan
2003–04 Pool 3 2nd 6 4 0 2 2 18
2004–05 Pool 4 1st 6 6 0 0 2 26
Quarter-final Leinster 13 – 29 Leicester Tigers
2005–06 Pool 5 2nd 6 4 0 2 6 22
Quarter-final Toulouse 35 – 41 Leinster
Semi-final Leinster 6 – 30 Munster
2006–07 Pool 2 1st 6 4 0 2 5 21
Quarter-final Wasps 35 – 13 Leinster
2007–08 Pool 6 3rd 6 3 0 3 0 12
2008–09 Pool 2 1st 6 4 0 2 4 20
Quarter-final Harlequins 5 – 6 Leinster
Semi-final Munster 6 – 25 Leinster
Final Leinster 19 – 16 Leicester Tigers
2009–10 Pool 6 1st 6 4 1 1 4 22
Quarter-final Leinster 29 – 28 ASM Clermont Auvergne
Semi-final Toulouse 26 – 16 Leinster
2010–11 Pool 2 1st 6 5 0 1 4 24
Quarter-final Leinster 17 – 10 Leicester Tigers
Semi-final Leinster 32 – 23 Toulouse
Final Leinster 33 – 22 Northampton Saints
2011–12 Pool 3 1st 6 5 1 0 2 24
Quarter-final Leinster 34 – 3 Cardiff
Semi-final ASM Clermont Auvergne 15 – 19 Leinster
Final Leinster 42 – 14 Ulster
2012–13 Pool 5 2nd 6 4 0 2 4 20
2013–14 Pool 1 1st 6 5 0 1 2 22
Quarter-final RC Toulon 29 – 14 Leinster
2014–15 Pool 2 1st 6 4 1 1 2 20
Quarter-final Leinster 18 – 15 Bath
Semi-final RC Toulon 25 – 20 Leinster (A.E.T.)
2015–16 Pool 5 4th 6 1 0 5 2 6

Challenge Cup

Season Round Result
2012–13 Quarter-Final Wasps 28 – 48 Leinster
Semi-final Leinster 44 – 16 Biarritz Olympique
Final Leinster 34 – 13 Stade Français

Celtic League / Pro12

Season Pos Played Won Drawn Lost Bonus Points
2001–02 1st (Pool A) 7 7 0 0 0 21
Quarter-Final Leinster 34 – 22 Newport
Semi-final Leinster 35 – 13 Glasgow
Final Leinster 24 – 20 Munster
2002–03 5th (Pool B) 7 3 0 4 6 18
2003–04 8th 22 9 1 12 9 47
2004–05 3rd 20 12 1 7 7 57
2005–06 2nd 20 14 0 6 10 74[n 1]
2006–07 3rd 20 12 1 7 11 61
2007–08 1st 18 13 1 4 7 61
2008–09 3rd 18 11 1 6 6 52
2009–10 1st 18 13 0 5 3 55
Semi-final Leinster 16 – 6 Munster
Final Leinster 12 – 17 Ospreys
2010–11 2nd 22 15 1 6 8 70
Semi-final Leinster 18 – 3 Ulster
Final Munster 19 – 9 Leinster
2011–12 1st 22 18 1 3 7 81
Semi-final Leinster 19 – 15 Glasgow
Final Leinster 30 – 31 Ospreys
2012–13 2nd 22 17 0 5 10 78
Semi-final Leinster 17 – 15 Glasgow
Final Ulster 18 – 24 Leinster
2013–14 1st 22 17 1 4 12 82
Semi-final Leinster 13 – 9 Ulster
Final Leinster 34 – 12 Glasgow
2014–15 5th 22 11 3 8 12 62
2015–16 1st 22 16 0 6 9 73
Semi-final Leinster -vs- Ulster
  1. ^ 11 teams were involved in this season, so one team did not play each week and were awarded 4 points instead.
    Therefore, each team finished the season with 8 more points than the table would seem to warrant.

Current standings

Pro12

2015–16 Pro12 watch · edit · discuss
Team Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Diff Tries For Tries Against Try Bonus Losing Bonus Points
1 Ireland Leinster (RU) 22 16 0 6 458 290 +168 51 27 6 3 73
2 Ireland Connacht (CH) 22 15 0 7 507 406 +101 60 46 8 5 73
3 Scotland Glasgow Warriors (SF) 22 14 1 7 557 380 +177 68 37 8 6 72
4 Ireland Ulster (SF) 22 14 0 8 488 307 +181 61 29 8 5 69
5 Wales Scarlets 22 14 0 8 477 458 +19 45 54 2 5 63
6 Ireland Munster 22 13 0 9 459 417 +42 56 36 6 5 63
7 Wales Cardiff Blues 22 11 0 11 542 461 +81 62 53 5 7 56
8 Wales Ospreys 22 11 1 10 490 455 +35 55 49 6 3 55
9 Scotland Edinburgh 22 11 0 11 405 366 +39 41 36 2 8 54
10 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 22 4 0 18 353 492 −139 33 57 0 10 26
11 Italy Zebre 22 5 0 17 308 718 −410 35 99 3 1 24
12 Italy Benetton Treviso 22 3 0 19 320 614 −294 35 79 0 8 20
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[29]
  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 (rows 1 to 4) were play-off places, and earned places in the 2016–17 European Rugby Champions Cup.
Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places that earned places in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
To facilitate the 2015 Rugby World Cup, there were no play-offs for the 2016–17 European Rugby Champions Cup; the 20th place went to the winner of the 2015–16 European Rugby Challenge Cup if not already qualified. Because Challenge Cup winner Montpellier qualified via the Top 14, its place passed to the top team from that league not already qualified.
Plain background indicates teams that earned a place in the 2016–17 European Rugby Challenge Cup.

European Rugby Champions Cup

Pool 5

Team
 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
England Wasps (4) 6 4 0 2 186 72 +114 19 8 2 2 20
France Toulon (6) 6 5 0 1 96 91 +5 9 7 0 0 20
England Bath 6 2 0 4 88 131 –43 7 8 0 2 10
Ireland Leinster 6 1 0 5 82 158 –76 5 17 0 2 6

Honours

Results versus Touring 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 5] 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 Celebrating 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 USA Donnybrook, Dublin ? ? Match Programme
24 August 1999 Argentina Argentina Donnybrook, Dublin Lost 22–51 Match Report
31 August 2008 Australia Queensland Reds Donnybrook, Dublin Won 48–19 Match Report

Colours and crest

The 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.[31] The Leinster Rugby crest is on all official club merchandise including replica jerseys.

The province's current kit is blue with a white harp and 12 navy lines, which represent the 12 counties of Leinster, whilst the second kit is white with a blue harp and 12 blue lines.

The Leinster jersey also features three stars above the crest, to represent the three European Cup titles won to date.

Stadia

RDS Arena

Main article: RDS Arena
File:RDS Arena Grandstand.jpg
The RDS Arena

Leinster's current home ground is the RDS Arena.[32] Games were first played at the RDS during the 2005–06 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.[33] The RDS will be Leinster's home until 2027, as a 20-year lease was signed in 2007.[34]

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.[35] 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.[36]

Inside the RDS Arena prior to a Leinster Game

Aviva Stadium

Main article: Aviva Stadium
File:Aviva-under-lights.gif
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 Pro12 games against domestic rivals. In 2010 they first played a home league game against Munster, the first time the stadium sold out,[37] and then against ASM Clermont Auvergne.[38][39][40] 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.[41] 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
File:DonnybrookStadium.jpg
Main Stand at 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.[42] 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, however, been improved as a venue with the reconstruction of the grandstand in 2008[43] 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.[44][45]

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.[46] 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.[46] Leinster had 3,700 season ticket holders in 2006, double the amount of the previous season.[46] 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.[47]

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.[48] Leinster currently have roughly 12,500 season ticket holders.[49]

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.[50]

The last match at the old Landsdowne 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.[51] 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.[52] Leinsters European Cup clash against Munster at Croke Park set a world record attendance for a "club" rugby union game with a crowd of 82,208.[53] The Official Leinster Supporters Club was formally established as a club in 2007.[54]

Leinster A

Leinster A is the team that represents Leinster in the British & Irish Cup,[55] 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 gametime, Development contract & Academy players and, occasionally, AIL players called up from their clubs.

From the start of the 2015–16 season, Leinster A is coached by Hugh Hogan (Head Coach) and Shaun Berne (Asst Coach).

Sponsorship

Since the 2007–08 season, Leinster's kits have been supplied by Canterbury of New Zealand. 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. However, 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 sponsor for a day.[56] During the 2013–14 season the contest was won by Dublin-based meat wholesaler Gahan Meats[57] and for 2014–15 the shirt sponsorship winners were accounting software provider Big Red Cloud.[58] The sponsorship prize package is valued at €50,000 and attracts hundreds of companies keen to be shortlisted each year.[59] The left of Leinster's back shorts had Bank of Ireland between 2009 to 2013 where it was replaced by Bank of Ireland's twitter address right up until 2015 where it was replaced by Laya Healthcare.

Management & Coaches

Position Name Nationality
Chief Executive Mick Dawson  Ireland
Head of Rugby Operations Guy Easterby  Ireland
Head Coach Leo Cullen  Ireland
Backs Coach Girvan Dempsey  Ireland
Defence Coach Kurt McQuilkin  Ireland
Scrum Coach John Fogarty  Ireland

Current squad

For player movements leading up to the 2016–17 season, see List of 2016–17 Pro12 transfers § Leinster.

2015–16 Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
Bryan Byrne Hooker Ireland Ireland
Sean Cronin Hooker Ireland Ireland
Aaron Dundon Hooker Ireland Ireland
Richardt Strauss Hooker Ireland Ireland
James Tracy Hooker Ireland Ireland
Michael Bent Prop Ireland Ireland
Royce Burke-Flynn Prop Ireland Ireland
Ed Byrne Prop Ireland Ireland
Tadhg Furlong Prop Ireland Ireland
Cian Healy Prop Ireland Ireland
Ian Hirst Prop Ireland Ireland
Jack McGrath Prop Ireland Ireland
Martin Moore Prop Ireland Ireland
Mike Ross Prop Ireland Ireland
Tadgh Beirne Lock Ireland Ireland
Tom Denton* Lock England England
Mick Kearney Lock Ireland Ireland
Mike McCarthy Lock Ireland Ireland
Gavin Thornbury Lock Ireland Ireland
Devin Toner Lock Ireland Ireland
Hayden Triggs Lock New Zealand New Zealand
Dan Leavy Flanker Ireland Ireland
Jordi Murphy Flanker Ireland Ireland
Seán O'Brien Flanker Ireland Ireland
Rhys Ruddock Flanker Ireland Ireland
Dominic Ryan Flanker Ireland Ireland
Tony Ryan Flanker Ireland Ireland
Josh van der Flier Flanker Ireland Ireland
Jack Conan Number 8 Ireland Ireland
Jamie Heaslip Number 8 Ireland Ireland
Player Position Union
Isaac Boss Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Luke McGrath Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Eoin Reddan Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Cathal Marsh Fly-half Ireland Ireland
Jonathan Sexton Fly-half Ireland Ireland
Ian Madigan Centre Ireland Ireland
Collie O'Shea Centre Ireland Ireland
Noel Reid Centre Ireland Ireland
Ben Te'o Centre New Zealand New Zealand
Darragh Fanning Wing Ireland Ireland
Luke Fitzgerald Wing Ireland Ireland
David Kearney Wing Ireland Ireland
Fergus McFadden Wing Ireland Ireland
Mick McGrath Wing Ireland Ireland
Rob Kearney Fullback Ireland Ireland
Zane Kirchner Fullback South Africa South Africa
Isa Nacewa (c) Fullback Fiji Fiji
  • Senior 15s internationally capped players in bold.
  • Players qualified to play for Ireland on dual nationality or residency grounds*.
  • Irish Provinces are currently limited to four non-Irish eligible (NIE) players and one non-Irish qualified player (NIQ or "Project Player").

Academy squad

[60] Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
Sean McNulty Hooker Ireland Ireland year 1
Peter Dooley Prop Ireland Ireland year 3
Oisin Heffernan Prop Ireland Ireland year 1
Jeremy Loughman Prop Ireland Ireland year 1
Ross Molony Lock Ireland Ireland year 3
David O'Connor Lock Ireland Ireland year 1
Josh Murphy Flanker Ireland Ireland year 1
Peadar Timmins Flanker Ireland Ireland year 2
Player Position Union
Nick McCarthy Scrum-half Ireland Ireland year 2
Ross Byrne Outside-half Ireland Ireland year 2
Joey Carbery Outside-half Ireland Ireland year 1
Harrison Brewer Centre Ireland Ireland year 2
Steve Crosbie Centre Ireland Ireland year 3
Tom Daly Centre Ireland Ireland year 3
Thomas Farrell Centre Ireland Ireland year 3
Rory O'Loughlin Centre Ireland Ireland year 2
Garry Ringrose Centre Ireland Ireland year 2
Adam Byrne Wing Ireland Ireland year 3
Ian Fitzpatrick Wing Ireland Ireland year 2
Bill Dardis Fullback Ireland Ireland year 3
Cian Kelleher Fullback Ireland Ireland year 2

Records against Pro 12 and European Cup opponents

Against Played Won Drawn Lost % Won
France Agen 2 2 0 0 100.00%
Italy Aironi 4 4 0 0 100.00%
France ASM Clermont Auvergne 8 5 0 3 62.5%
England Bath 9 7 0 2 77.78%
France Biarritz 6 4 0 2 66.67%
France Bordeaux 2 1 0 1 50.00%
Scotland Border Reivers 9 6 0 3 66.67%
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 31 22 2 7 70.97%
France Castres 6 5 0 1 83.33%
Wales Celtic Warriors 2 0 0 2 0.00%
Ireland Connacht 27 20 0 7 74.07%
Wales Dragons 26 17 0 9 65.38%
Wales Ebbw Vale RFC 1 1 0 0 100.00%
Scotland Edinburgh 33 20 0 13 60.61%
England Exeter Chiefs 2 2 0 0 100.00%
Scotland Glasgow Warriors 39 25 3 11 64.10%
England Gloucester 2 1 0 1 50.00%
England Harlequins 3 2 0 1 66.67%
England Leicester Tigers 10 6 0 4 60.00%
England London Irish 2 0 1 1 0.00%
France Montpellier 2 1 1 0 50.00%
Ireland Munster 33 18 1 14 54.55%
Italy Milan 1 1 0 0 100.00%
England Newcastle Falcons 2 2 0 0 100.00%
Wales Newport RFC 3 3 0 0 100.00%
England Northampton Saints 5 4 0 1 80.00%
Wales Ospreys 31 17 3 11 54.84%
France Pau 1 1 0 0 100.00%
France Perpignan 1 0 0 1 0.00%
France Racing 92 2 2 0 0 100.00%
England Sale Sharks 2 1 0 1 50.00%
England Saracens 2 2 0 0 100.00%
Wales Scarlets 30 20 1 9 66.67%
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 9 4 0 5 44.44%
Italy Treviso 15 13 1 1 86.67%
Ireland Ulster 33 24 3 6 72.73%
England Wasps 8 3 1 4 37.5%
Italy Zebre 8 8 0 0 100.00%
Total 428 287 17 124 67.06%

Correct as of 07 May 2016.

In head-to-head terms, Leinster dominate Irish provincial rivals Ulster with a 24–5 win-loss record. Similar Leinster enjoy a 20–6 win:loss ratio against western province Connacht. Leinster hold only a narrow head-to-head lead against arch-rivals Munster in one of the most intense derbies in world rugby, where they possess a slim 17–14 advantage. Munster are the closest Pro12 team to having a positive record against Leinster - all of the league's other sides have substantial losing records against Leinster. The Welsh side Celtic Warriors existed in the league for its first couple of seasons and have a positive record against Leinster of two wins and zero defeats, but the sides only ever played a couple of matches head-to-head before Celtic Warriors and a number of other Welsh clubs went out of business or merged. This was also at a time when Leinster were nowhere near as strong as they are now.

In European terms, out of teams who have played at least three games against Leinster, only a few enjoy a winning record. Stade Toulousain (Toulouse) have a slim 5–4 advantage after nine matches between the two teams. 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. Unless a negligible number of matches has been played no English, Irish, Welsh, Scottish or Italian clubs lead Leinster in head-to-head terms.

Notable players

See also Category:Leinster Rugby players. All players are Irish unless otherwise indicated.

British and Irish Lions

The following Leinster players have also represented the British and Irish Lions.[30] All of the following players have also represented Ireland, unless otherwise noted.

Club captains (professional era)

Notable overseas players

The following is a list of notable non-Irish international representative Leinster players:

* indicates World Cup winners

Head coaches (professional era)

As of 6 May 2016[note 6]
Coach Season(s) GP W D L Win % Loss % Championships / Notes
Ireland Leo Cullen 2015–16 – 28 17 0 11 60.7% 39.3%
Australia Matt O'Connor 2013–14 – 2014–15 61 40 5 16 65.6% 26.2% Pro12 (2014)
New Zealand Joe Schmidt 2010–11 – 2012–13 99 77 3 19 77.8% 19.2% European Cup (2011), (2012)
Challenge Cup (2013)

Pro12 (2013)

Australia Michael Cheika 2005–06 – 2009–10 134 88 4 42 65.7% 31.3% Pro12 (2008)

European Cup (2009)

Ireland Gerry Murphy 2004–05 4 2 0 2 50% 50% Interim Coach
Ireland Declan Kidney 2004–05 25 17 1 7 68% 28%
Australia Gary Ella 2003–04 30 14 2 14 46.7% 46.7%
Australia Matt Willams 2000–01 – 2002–03 46 31 3 12 67.4% 26.1% Pro12 (2002)

Interprovincial Championship (2002)

Wales Mike Ruddock 1997–98 – 1999–00 34 16 0 18 47.1% 52.9% Interprovincial Championship (1998)

Personnel honours and records

Europe

All players listed below are Irish unless otherwise noted.

European Player of the Year

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.

  • Brian O'Driscoll (Centre), 1999–2014
  • Australia Rocky Elsom (Flanker), 2008–2009 (Elsom had the fewest Heineken Cup appearances in the team and was the only member born outside of Europe).

European Cup player records[citation needed]

(correct as of 26 May 2015)

Combined Europe and Pro 12

All players listed below are Irish unless otherwise noted.

(correct as of 26 May 2015).

Pro 12

All players listed below are Irish unless otherwise noted.

Pro12 Team of the Year
The following Leinster players were listed on the Pro 12 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 —
2010–11 Jamie Heaslip (5), Richardt Strauss, Sean O'Brien, Mike Ross Fiji Isa Nacewa
2011–12 Richardt Strauss (2) Fiji Isa Nacewa (2)
2012–13 Ian Madigan —
2013–14 Sean Cronin, Jordi Murphy, Rhys Ruddock[61] —
2014–15 — —
2015–16 Josh van der Flier Fiji Isa Nacewa (3), New Zealand Ben Te'o

Pro 12 Player Records[citation needed]

(correct as of 26 May 2015).

Pro12 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. The prize has been awarded annually since 2012. (Percentage success rate in brackets)

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Formerly known as Heineken European Cup
  2. ^ Formerly known as European Challenge Cup
  3. ^ Formerly known as Celtic League / Magners League
  4. ^ Contested from 1946 to 2002 – Bold indicates Grand Slam; * indicates shared title
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Original research sourced from http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/team/results/index.php

References

  1. ^ "Leinster to play two matches at Aviva". The Irish Times. 8 August 2010. Retrieved 18 August 2010.
  2. ^ "Irish Interprovincial rugby championship". BBC Sport. 1 September 2000. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  3. ^ http://www.irishrugby.ie/irfu/history/history.php
  4. ^ http://www.irishrugby.ie/irfu/history/archived_team_history.php
  5. ^ a b c d e f "About Leinster Rugby: The Branch". Leinster Rugby. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
  6. ^ Leinster Rugby Lions get off to a roaring start
  7. ^ "Leinster win Irish battle". BBC Sport. BBC. 15 December 2001. Retrieved 31 May 2010.
  8. ^ "Pro12 History". Celtic Rugby.
  9. ^ O'Sullivan, John. "Sad as Leinster fail to show". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/history/season_0708.php
  11. ^ "Castres 18–15 Leinster". RTÉ News. 12 December 2008.
  12. ^ Thornley, Gerry (2 May 2009). "Leinster bring all the emotion, the intelligence and the rugby". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2 May 2009.
  13. ^ Thornley, Gerry (23 May 2009). "Leinster soar highest in bluest of blue days". European Club Rugby. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
  14. ^ http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/history/season_0910.php
  15. ^ http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/leinster_rugby.php?includeref=943fixtures&section=1&season=2010-11
  16. ^ "Heineken Cup: Leinster 33–22 Northampton". RTÉ Sport. 21 May 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2011.
  17. ^ http://www.irishcentral.com/story/sport/sports-central/heineken-cup-final-live-tracker-leinster-trailing-northampton-halftime-report-122387304.html
  18. ^ http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/history/season_1011.php
  19. ^ http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/heineken_cup_pool_three.php
  20. ^ http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/16451.php
  21. ^ http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/fixtures_heineken_cup.php
  22. ^ http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/18304.php
  23. ^ http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/history/season_1112.php
  24. ^ "Leinster Rugby 17 – 15 Glasgow Warriors". RaboDirectPRO12. 11 May 2013.
  25. ^ "Fourth title for Leinster". ERC Rugby. 17 May 2013.
  26. ^ http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/rabodirect-pro-12-final-leinster-4016277
  27. ^ "Leinster hold on to win PRO12 title". ESPN. 25 May 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  28. ^ "Leinster refusing to let their era end". Irish Independent. 1 June 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
  29. ^ Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro12. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  30. ^ a b The Ireland Rugby Miscellany (2007): Ciaran Cronin
  31. ^ About Leinster Rugby:Harp Leinster Rugby
  32. ^ RDS Arena, Dublin WorldStadia.com
  33. ^ Grandstand Roof on Course for new season Leinster Rugby, 19 July 2008
  34. ^ http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/olsc/6278.php
  35. ^ http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/12157.php#.U_xnJ2O9aFE
  36. ^ http://thescore.thejournal.ie/leinster-rds-stadium-redeveloped-1566090-Jul2014/?&r_dir_d=1
  37. ^ http://www.universityobserver.ie/2010/10/02/spirited-leinster-overcome-munster-at-the-aviva-stadium/
  38. ^ http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/6303.php
  39. ^ Leinster have the last word at old Lansdowne Road Western Mail, 1 January 2007 – at Encyclopedia.com
  40. ^ Munster pack some punch Munster pack some punch, 23 April 2006
  41. ^ "Leinster 32 Toulouse 23". Retrieved 30 April 2011.
  42. ^ Sport goes on scoring Marketing – Ireland's Marketing & Media Monthly Magazine
  43. ^ Directions & Maps: How to Find Us Leinster Rugby
  44. ^ Leinster name side to face Queensland RTÉ Sport, 29 August 2008
  45. ^ Tickets remaining for London Irish this Friday... Leinster Rugby, 24 August 2009
  46. ^ a b c "Leinster Rugby Comes of Age". The Dubliner Magazine. 18 February 2007. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
  47. ^ Leinster Supporters earn Bank of Ireland honour Leinster Rugby, 26 April 2009
  48. ^ "Home Attendance RaboDirect PRO12 14/15". Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  49. ^ It's all blue skies for Leinster The irish Times – Leinster Rugby
  50. ^ Leinster bench changes the attack the Irish Times – Leinster Rugby, 2 October 2010
  51. ^ Leinster win The Last Stand at Lansdowne BreakingNews.ie, 31 December 2006
  52. ^ Miller-less Leinster earn corn The Irish Times – Leinster Rugby
  53. ^ "Munster v Leinster". ERC. 20 April 2009. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  54. ^ Official Leinster Supporters Club Leinster Rugby
  55. ^ "Leinster 'A' Results and Fixtures". Leinster Rugby. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  56. ^ "Leinster Sponsor for a Day Competition". Leinster Rugby. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  57. ^ "Bank of Ireland Sponsor for a Day Winners 2013/2014". Bank of Ireland. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  58. ^ "Big Red Cloud Winners of Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Sponsor for a Day". Big Red Cloud. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  59. ^ "Sponsor for a Day SME Competition Great Exposure". Independent.ie. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  60. ^ http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/10073.php
  61. ^ "RaboDirect PRO12 Dream Team". RaboDirect PRO12. 5 May 2014. Retrieved 6 May 2014.
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