Leinster Rugby enters Leo Cullen's final season as head coach

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 3:01 PM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Leinster Rugby enters Leo Cullen's final season as head coach

Summary

Leinster Rugby begins the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship campaign as back-to-back league title holders. The province secured its latest trophy by defeating the Lions, the Stormers, and the Bulls in the playoffs following a second-place regular-season finish. Despite domestic success, the team continues to chase a Champions Cup title after falling 41-19 to Bordeaux-Bègles in last year's final. Head coach Leo Cullen enters his final season leading a roster that features the return of fly-half Joey Carbery. Several veteran players including James Lowe and Rieko Ioane have departed the squad, shifting the focus to a transition period for the team. Leinster continues to evaluate its fly-half rotation and tighthead depth before the official season fixtures commence.

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By the Numbers

•Leinster finished second in the 2025-26 URC regular season with a 12-6 record.
•Joey Carbery returns to the Leinster squad after two seasons with Bordeaux-Bègles.
•The team reached the 2025-26 Champions Cup final but lost to Bordeaux-Bègles.
•Caelan Doris continues as team captain for the 2026-27 campaign.
•James Lowe, Rieko Ioane, and Luke McGrath are among the notable player departures.

Latest Updates

3:01 PMYahoo Sports — Leinster Rugby 2026-27 URC Preview: Can Cullen's Final Season End With European Glory?

What they're saying

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Preview Leinster Rugby's 2026-27 URC season, roster, transfers, projected XV and title outlook. Watch the URC live in the U.S. on FloRugby.
— Yahoo Sports

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