In a dramatic clash that showcased the intense rivalry between Ulster and Leinster, Ulster suffered a disappointing 41-17 defeat against the league leaders at the Aviva Stadium on April 26, 2025. The loss not only impacted Ulster's standings in the United Rugby Championship (URC), dropping them to 10th place, but it also raised concerns about their playoff hopes as the season nears its end.
Ulster Head Coach Richie Murphy expressed his frustrations following the match, comparing the final stages of their URC campaign to competing in “three finals.” His team has faced significant challenges, including injuries to key players and a tough loss to their provincial rivals, Leinster.
Despite the setback, Murphy praised his squad's effort, stating, “I am very proud of the effort, massive effort from our lad, you’ve seen it to the end of the game,” in a post-match interview. However, he did not shy away from critiquing Leinster's tactics, particularly their line speed and scrum, which he deemed questionable. “There are things in our game that we can improve very quickly, and some things that frustrate us in and around, you know, breakdown, but you are playing against Leinster, who are tough to play against at breakdown, especially if they are allowed to dirty the breakdown as much as they do,” Murphy remarked.
Ulster's injury woes were compounded by the loss of several key players during the match. Stuart McCloskey was ruled out before the game, while Stewart Moore suffered a concussion during the contest. Additionally, Michael Lowry, Andrew Warwick, and Callum Reid also sustained injuries, leaving Ulster with a depleted squad as they look ahead to their crucial match against the Sharks in Belfast.
With only 37 points on the board, Murphy stated that Ulster needs to secure a victory against the Sharks to have a chance at the playoffs. “We believe that reaching 47 or 48 points will be sufficient to secure a place in the playoffs,” he noted, highlighting the urgency of the upcoming match.
On the other side of the pitch, Leinster celebrated a significant victory, with back-row James Culhane returning from injury to play a pivotal role in the win over Ulster. Culhane, who has faced multiple injuries over the past seasons, expressed his relief at being back on the field. “I have been quite frustrated over the last while. There have been some unfortunate injuries,” he shared, reflecting on his journey back to fitness.
Having captained an Emerging Ireland side in South Africa last October, Culhane is keen to establish himself within the Leinster setup. “For me, I am just trying to get selected for the games in the URC, put my best foot forward, and keep impressing the coaches,” he said, showcasing his determination to contribute to the team's success.
Leinster's head coach Leo Cullen is strategically managing his squad as they prepare for the upcoming Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton Saints on April 28, 2025. With a comfortable nine-point lead at the top of the URC table and three games remaining, Cullen has opted to rest several frontline internationals for their match against the Scarlets.
The decision to rest key players, including RG Snyman, Jordie Barrett, and Rabah Slimani, reflects Leinster's depth and confidence as they aim for success in both the URC and the Champions Cup. Cullen's strategy has proven effective in the past, as evidenced by their previous 62-0 victory over Harlequins in the round of 16.
Ronan Kelleher will captain Leinster for the first time in this match, supported by experienced players like Cian Healy and Tom Clarkson in the front row. Ross Byrne will take the No.10 shirt, with Ciaran Frawley shifting to fullback. This lineup demonstrates Leinster's ability to field a competitive team even with their main stars resting.
As the regular season draws to a close, the stakes are high for Ulster, who must navigate through their injury challenges and secure vital points in their remaining fixtures. The upcoming match against the Sharks will be critical in determining their playoff fate, and the pressure is on for Murphy and his squad to deliver a strong performance.
Meanwhile, Leinster looks to maintain their dominant position at the top of the URC while keeping an eye on the Champions Cup semi-final. With their depth and talent, they are well-positioned to contend for titles on multiple fronts.
The excitement surrounding the URC intensifies as teams vie for playoff spots and prepare for the challenges ahead. Fans can expect thrilling matches in the coming weeks, with both Ulster and Leinster playing pivotal roles in the unfolding drama.
