Bilbao holds fond memories for Leinster and head coach Leo Cullen, but those will be set aside when they face Bordeaux in Saturday’s Champions Cup final.
Leinster are chasing a fifth European title and their first since 2018, when they last lifted the trophy in Bilbao. Since then, however, the province have endured a difficult run in finals, losing their last four appearances in the competition, including three successive defeats between 2022 and 2024.
They now return to the decider with another opportunity to end that streak, but standing in their way is a strong Bordeaux side, the reigning champions and one of the most formidable teams in European rugby.
Cullen has been clear that past results will not influence preparations or mindset this time around. While the 2018 triumph remains a proud moment for the club, he stressed that this final is a different challenge with a different squad and context.
“It was a great day back in 2018 but it's in the past now,” Cullen said. “It's a totally different challenge with a different group. Everyone’s worked incredibly hard to get to this stage and it’s amazing to be here now, but it’s going to be a serious challenge. But it’s what we want, to be at this stage. So let’s try and embrace the occasion and make sure we try to deliver our best performance.”
Leinster head into the final determined to convert their consistency at the top level into silverware once again, but they will need to overcome both history and a powerful Bordeaux side to do so.
