Leo Cullen to Face Former Club Leicester Tigers in Champions Cup Clash with Leinster
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen will lead his team in a Champions Cup match against Leicester Tigers, where Rieko Ioane is set to make his full Leinster debut at outside-centre, paired with Robbie Henshaw at 12. Cullen, who played for Leicester in the mid-2000s and won a Premiership title in 2006-07, cites his experiences there—including a Heineken Cup final loss to Wasps—as formative in shaping his coaching approach and work ethic.
Leinster have enjoyed considerable success in the Champions Cup, winning four titles since 2009 and finishing as runners-up four times, including finals in 2022, 2023, and 2024. They are aiming to secure another title, as well as their third win at Welford Road this decade.
Leicester's head coach, Geoff Parling, a former Tigers forward, visited Dublin in November to study Leinster's coaching methods. Cullen notes that Parling's side is built on strong fundamentals, emphasizing set piece, lineout, maul, and an aerial game. The encounter will mark the fifth meeting between the two clubs since 2022, continuing a historic but generally cordial rivalry.
Leinster’s starting pack features Tadhg Furlong and Ronan Kelleher in the front row, with Joe McCarthy and James Ryan in the second row. The back row consists of Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, and Caelan Doris. Dan Sheehan is included among the substitutes.
Leicester recall five Test players for the match: Freddie Steward, Joe Heyes, Jamie Blamire, Tommy Reffell, who will captain the side, and Nicky Smith. Injuries have sidelined Ollie Chessum, Emeka Ilione, and Jack van Poortvliet.
