Leinster Rugby’s love affair with Croke Park continued in spectacular fashion as they dismantled the Vodacom Bulls 32-7 in the United Rugby Championship (URC) Grand Final on June 14, 2025. This victory marked Leinster’s first piece of silverware in four seasons, ending a long wait and delivering sweet revenge for last year’s semi-final loss to the Bulls in Pretoria. The match, played in front of a record Irish attendance of 46,127 at Croke Park, saw Leinster dominate from the outset with a display packed with power, precision, and panache.
Leinster’s journey at Croke Park has been storied, dating back to their first-ever game at Jones’s Road in 2009, a famous Heineken Cup semi-final win over Munster. Since then, the province has made several memorable returns, including last year’s Champions Cup semi-final victory over Northampton, an early-season URC win over Munster in October 2024, and a Champions Cup last 16 win against Harlequins. This URC final marked their fifth visit to the iconic venue and culminated in a triumphant celebration for the team and fans alike.
Captain Jack Conan set the tone early, scoring a poacher’s try in the 7th minute after a powerful lineout maul. The momentum continued when All Black star Jordie Barrett, who is concluding his influential stint at Leinster, showcased his class with a scintillating try just 12 minutes in, chasing down his own clever chip kick to dot down near the posts. Barrett’s try was a highlight reel moment, underlining his immense impact and the regret many feel over his limited starts this season.
Josh van der Flier, returning from injury, added a close-range try in the 24th minute, capitalizing on Leinster’s lethal lineout dominance. By halftime, Leinster had built a commanding 19-0 lead, thanks to their relentless blitz defense and the accurate boot of fly-half Sam Prendergast, who converted two penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The Bulls, desperate to claw their way back, managed to breach Leinster’s defense through replacement hooker Akker van der Merwe early in the second half. However, Leinster’s response was swift and emphatic. Prendergast added two more penalties, and academy scrum-half Fintan Gunne, coming off the bench, sealed the game with a memorable try in the 74th minute. The final flourish came as James Lowe booted the ball into the Hogan Stand to end the contest, sending the crowd into raptures.
Leinster’s victory was not just about scoring tries but also about resilience and teamwork. Despite missing key players like injured club captain Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Robbie Henshaw, and Hugo Keenan, the team delivered a performance that was both physically dominant and tactically astute. Luke McGrath, drafted in on the day to cover Jamison Gibson-Park’s late withdrawal, was outstanding, controlling the game well and executing a clever box kicking strategy that unsettled the Bulls.
Man of the match Ryan Baird was exceptional for the second consecutive week, showcasing his physicality and lineout prowess. His massive hit on Marcell Coetzee before halftime was a defining moment, denying the Bulls a crucial scoring opportunity. Andrew Porter also turned around earlier scrum difficulties, asserting dominance over Bulls’ Wilco Louw and helping Leinster restore superiority in the set-piece.
Jack Conan’s leadership was exemplary throughout the match. His early try was complemented by relentless work in attack, defense, and at the lineout. His efforts earned him a second call-up to the British and Irish Lions, a testament to his quality and consistency. Josh van der Flier’s energy and tenacity were on full display, while the backline, led by Barrett and Lowe, combined flair with efficiency.
The Bulls’ coach Jake White acknowledged Leinster’s superiority, stating, “This is not a normal rugby team. It's just a different league altogether. Once they get that start we were never going to beat them.” White praised Leinster as the benchmark in the URC and expressed his disappointment while recognizing the challenge his team faced against a near full-strength Leinster side.
The match also set a new attendance record for an Irish league final, with 46,127 fans packing Croke Park, surpassing the 2018 PRO14 Final attendance of 46,092 at Aviva Stadium. Remarkably, tickets for this final were on sale for only six days, compared to the nine-month sales windows for previous finals, highlighting the immense interest in Leinster’s pursuit of silverware.
Individual player performances were stellar across the board. Jimmy O’Brien gained more metres than any other player and was reliable at the back. Tommy O’Brien excelled in kick-chase and aerial contests, while Garry Ringrose marshaled the rush defense effectively. James Lowe, despite a few turnovers, contributed with his booming boot and aerial competition. Sam Prendergast’s kicking game, especially in wet conditions, caused significant problems for the Bulls’ backfield.
In the forwards, Thomas Clarkson had arguably his best game in a Leinster jersey, winning crucial penalties and driving back Bulls carriers. Joe McCarthy was physically dominant in defense and lineouts, while James Ryan led from the front before an early second-half substitution. Ryan Baird’s lineout work and defensive efforts were pivotal, and Josh van der Flier’s try rewarded his relentless work rate. Andrew Porter’s scrummaging performance was outstanding, helping Leinster regain control in the set-piece battle.
Leinster’s replacements maintained the intensity in the latter stages. RG Snyman made an immediate impact with his lineout skills and ball carrying, while Fintan Gunne’s try was a perfect way to cap off the victory. Ross Byrne, coming on in what could be his last match for the province before moving to Gloucester, controlled field position expertly and converted the final conversion, ensuring a comprehensive 32-7 scoreline.
Reflecting on the triumph, captain Jack Conan expressed his pride: “I’m glad we showed up, performed and silenced a few critics.” Ryan Baird thanked the crowd for their support during the trophy-less years, saying, “Last year was tough, going away to these boys and losing. I felt the pressure, but every time I saw someone else make a tackle it gave me energy to make one myself. I’m so proud of everyone on the team.”
Jordie Barrett, who would “love to” return to Leinster in the future, savored the experience, stating, “It has been amazing on and off the field.” Meanwhile, Tommy O’Brien called the victory “the stuff of dreams,” capturing the emotion of a long-awaited title.
The trophy presentation was a poignant moment, with Conan lifting the massive URC trophy alongside injured captain Caelan Doris and retiring legend Cian Healy. The celebration was a fitting end to a season that saw Leinster rediscover their form and reaffirm their status as a powerhouse in European rugby.
Leinster’s victory at Croke Park not only ended their four-year wait for silverware but also set the stage for a promising future. With 12 players joining Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions squad, the province’s strength and depth were on full display. As the URC era continues, Leinster has once again demonstrated why they remain the benchmark in the league, blending experience, youth, and relentless ambition to achieve success.
As the final whistle blew, the scenes at Croke Park were electric, with fans and players alike reveling in a moment that will be remembered for years to come. Leinster’s 32-7 triumph over the Bulls was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent and a celebration of resilience, skill, and teamwork at the highest level.
