Leinster

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Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has named a completely changed team for Saturday's United Rugby Championship homecoming against Cardiff (19:45 BST).

After suffering back-to-back defeats in South Africa, Cullen is boosted by the return of several Ireland internationals as Leinster return to the Laya Arena (formerly the RDS Arena) for the first time since May 2024.

Dan Sheehan returns to captain an experienced team at hooker, with Alex Usanpov and Tadhg Furlong either side of him in the scrum.

Joe McCarthy and James Ryan return in the second, in front of a back row of Max Deegan, Scott Penny and Jack Conan.

Sam Prendergast returns at fly-half as Caspar Gabriel drops to the bench. Prendergast is joined at half-back by Oliver Coffey, who makes his first senior start at nine after four appearances off the bench.

Jamie Osborne and Garry Ringrose are paired in the centre, while wings Jimmy O'Brien and Joshua Kenny and full-back Hugo Keenan make up the back three.

Leinster: Keenan; Kenny, Ringrose, J Osborne, J O'Brien; Prendergast, Coffey; Usanov, Sheehan (capt), Furlong, J McCarthy, Ryan, Deegan, Penny, Conan.

Replacements: Kelleher, Dooley, Clarkson, Spicer, Ericson, Gunne, Gabriel, Henshaw.

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Munster made it back-to-back Women's Interprovincial Championship titles with a 14-5 win over Leinster at Dexcom Stadium.

Following a handsome win in round one, the defending champions entered the game full of confidence, but were given a much tougher test this time around.

Leinster could have made a dream start when Sarah Delaney seemed set to touch down in the opening minute, but was held up over the line.

Munster were dealt an early blow when Enya Breen was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on but Leinster were unable to take advantage.

With numerical parity restored, Munster hit the front after 21 minutes as Beth Buttimer grabbed her second try of the championship as she squeezed over after a lengthy spell of possession and Caitriona Finn added the extras.

Two minutes before the break, Leinster found a response as from a maul, space opened up and Dannah O'Brien found Kathy Baker for an unconverted try.

Leinster pressed for the go-ahead score early in the second period but couldn't breach the Munster defence, with Erin King then held up when close to touching down.

They couldn't make their opportunities count and with 10 minutes remaining, Munster put daylight between the sides.

From a penalty to the corner, Munster set up the maul and Buttimer rumbled over for her second of the game with Enya Breen converting.

Siobhan McCarthy could have sealed it but was held up over the line, but there was no way back for Leinster as Munster retained their title.

Munster: Aoife Corey; Alana McInerney, Lucia Linn, Enya Breen, Chisom Ugwueru; Caitríona Finn, Emily Lane; Siobhan McCarthy, Beth Buttimer, Eilís Cahill; Aoibhe O'Flynn, Clodagh O'Halloran; Sally Kelly, Grace Moore, Maeve Óg O'Leary.

Replacements: Emma Dunican, Caoimhe Murphy, Alisha Flynn, Caoimhe Murphy, Niamh O'Mahony, Abbie Salter-Townshend, Andrea Murphy, Katie Corrigan.

Leinster: Stacey Flood; Robyn O'Connor, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins; Vicky Elmes Kinlan; Dannah O'Brien, Katie Whelan; Caoimhe Molloy, Sarah Delaney (capt), Linda Djougang; Ruth Campbell, Kate Jordan; Regan Casey, Kathy Baker, Erin King.

Replacements: Emma Jane Wilson, Hannah Wilson, Hope Lowney, Roisin Kinch, Aoife Corcoran, Nikki Gibson, Alex Connor, Emma Tilly.

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Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath have confirmed the signing of former Ireland and Leinster wing James Lowe on a two-year deal.

Lowe departed Irish rugby at the end of the 2025-26 season after failing to agree a contract extension with Leinster, for whom he scored a record 71 tries.

The 34-year-old won two Six Nations titles with Ireland, including the Grand Slam, and played at the 2023 World Cup.

The New Zealand-born back also won a Champions Cup and six United Rugby Championship titles with Leinster and played two Tests for the British and Irish Lions in last year's series win over the Wallabies in Australia.

Lowe's contract with the Japanese side until 2028 will seemingly rule him out of making an Ireland comeback at next year's World Cup in Australia.

While Ireland boss Andy Farrell did not shut the door on an international return for Lowe, the Irish Rugby Football Union has not selected an overseas-based player since Johnny Sexton while he was with Racing 92 in 2015.

"To everyone in the Suntory Sungoliath family, my family and I are incredibly excited to begin this new chapter of our lives in Japan. I have some very special memories from playing there," said Lowe, who earned 45 Ireland caps.

"I have always admired the passion for rugby, the respect shown both on and off the field and the pride people take in representing their team. I am looking forward to learning more about Japan and its culture. It is a huge honour to join such a prestigious club.

"I will do everything I can to earn the trust of my team-mates, coaches and supporters. I want to bring energy, physicality and a positive attacking mindset to the team. I can't wait to get stuck in! I can't wait to meet you all! Yatte Minahare [Go for it]," he said.

Lowe joins Suntory as a replacement for South Africa World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe, who has rejoined the Stormers.

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The 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup fixture details have been confirmed.

Munster will open their Champions Cup campaign at home to Racing 92 on 17 October, a day after the 10th anniversary of Anthony Foley's death.

The province said it is in talks with Cork GAA about hosting the fixture at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Munster will also travel to Bristol Bears and holders Bordeaux-Begles before welcoming Gloucester to Thomond Park.

Beaten 2026 finalists Leinster begin their latest bid for a fifth title away to Clermont on 17 October.

They will host Sale Sharks and Pau at yet-to-be confirmed home venues before travelling to Leicester Tigers.

Connacht host Saracens on 17 October and travel to Exeter Chiefs before hosting six-time champions Toulouse in Galway. Their final game is away to La Rochelle.

In the Challenge Cup, Ulster face away games against Bayonne and Dragons and away ties with Zebre and Perpignan, with Richie Murphy's side hoping to go one better after losing this year's final to Montpellier.

Champions Cup fixtures (times BST & GMT)

Munster

17 October - Munster v Racing 92, TBC, 20:00

12 December - Bristol Bears v Munster, Ashton Gate, 20:00

10 January - Bordeaux-Begles v Munster, Stade Chaban Delmas, 16:15

16 January - Munster v Gloucester, Thomond Park, 17:30

Leinster

17 October - Clermont Auvergne v Leinster, Stade Marcel-Michelin, 15:15

12 December - Leinster v Sale Sharks, TBC, 17:30

9 January - Leinster v Pau, TBC, 17:30

16 January - Leicester Tigers v Leinster, Welford Road, 20:00

Connacht

17 October - Connacht v Saracens, Dexcom Stadium, 17:30

13 December - Exeter Chiefs v Connacht, Sandy Park, 13:00

9 January - Connacht v Toulouse, Dexcom Stadium, 20:00

16 January - La Rochelle v Connacht, Stade Marcel Deflandre, 17:30

Challenge Cup fixtures

Ulster

17 October - Zebre v Ulster, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, 15:15

12 December - Ulster v Bayonne, Affidea Stadium, 13:00

10 January - Perpignan v Ulster, Stade Aime Giral, 13:00

16 January - Ulster v Dragons, Affidea Stadium, 15:15

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Leinster have confirmed the return of Ireland international Joey Carbery before the 2026-27 season.

Fly-half Carbery, who has 37 Ireland caps, has spent the past two seasons with Bordeaux-Begles in France, where he won two Investec Champions Cup titles.

The New Zealand-born 30-year-old came through the Leinster academy and made 37 senior appearances during his first spell, helping the province win a Pro14 and Champions Cup double in 2018.

He moved to Munster the same year and helped them win the United Rugby Championship title in 2023.

"I am delighted to be returning home to Leinster," said Carbery.

"I am thrilled to be joining in with Leo and the lads, there are some familiar faces and loads of new ones to get to know.

"I am working hard now to get myself fit and ready and contribute to the team as soon as possible."

Head coach Leo Cullen said Leinster "are delighted to welcome" Carbery back to the club.

"Joey and his family have been huge contributors to the province over many years and it certainly feels like a homecoming for Joey," said Cullen.

"He has gained plenty of valuable experience over the last number of years and we are all keen to learn from each other over the coming months as we look to compete in a new season."

Carbery joins Leinster following Ciaran Frawley's departure to Connacht.

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Ulster will face Cheetahs, Perpignan, Dragons, Bayonnais and Zebre in pool one of the 2026-27 European Challenge Cup.

Richie Murphy's side lost this year's final against Montpellier and are back in the second-tier European competition after finishing ninth in the United Rugby Championship table.

They have been drawn against French opposition again in Top 14 sides Bayonnais and Perpignan, who finished 12th and 13th in the division.

The province will also come up against South African side Cheetahs, who they beat in the group stage last year, as well as familiar URC opposition in Italian side Zebre and Welsh team Dragons.

In the Champions Cup, this year's beaten finalists Leinster will be up against French sides Clermont Auvergne and Pau as well as English teams Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks and fellow URC outfit Glasgow Warriors in Pool One.

Due to tournament rules, the URC champions will not play against Glasgow.

Connacht, who sneaked into the URC play-offs and qualified for the Champions Cup ahead of Ulster, have been handed a tough draw in Pool Two.

They will be up against Toulouse, Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle, Saracens, Exeter Chiefs and Lions, who they will not play.

Munster are in Pool Three and will take on back-to-back winners Bordeaux, Racing 92, English sides Bristol Bears and Gloucester and Stormers, who they won't face.

The pool stage of both the 2026-27 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup will see the introduction of try-scoring bonus points awarded only to teams who cross at least three more times than their opponents – rather than for simply scoring four or more tries.

There will also be a change in qualification criteria for the last-16 stage with only three teams from each of the four pools going through automatically, with the remaining four last-16 spots allocated on the basis of table points collected.

Champions Cup draw

Pool 1: Leinster, Glasgow, Pau, Sale, Leicester, Clermont

Pool 2: Toulouse, Lions, Saracens, La Rochelle, Exeter, Connacht

Pool 3: Bordeaux-Begles, Stormers, Racing 92, Munster, Bristol, Gloucester

Pool 4: Northampton, Bath, Cardiff, Montpellier, Stade Francais, Bulls

Challenge Cup draw

Pool 1: Cheetahs, Ulster, Perpignan, Dragons, Bayonne, Zebre

Pool 2: Treviso, Lyon, Newcastle, Sharks, Castres, Scarlets

Pool 3: Ospreys, Edinburgh, Black Lion, Harlequins, Toulon, Vannes

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Leinster captain Caelan Doris has been passed fit to start Friday's United Rugby Championship final against the Pretoria Bulls as Tadhg Furlong returns to the line-up.

Ireland skipper Doris was a doubt after picking up a knee injury in the semi-final win over the Stormers but he will lead a side showing three changes for the Croke Park decider (19:30 BST).

Furlong is named at tight-head prop - the three-time British and Irish Lion's first start since April - with Connacht-bound Jerry Cahir replacing the injured Andrew Porter at loose-head

Fit-again Tommy O'Brien returns on the right wing with James Lowe starting on the opposite side in his final game before departing the province.

Hugo Keenan remains at full-back with Rieko Ioane and Jamie Osborne continuing in midfield, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast are retained in the half-backs.

Hooker Dan Sheehan is fit enough for a place on the bench after missing the Stormers game, with Ronan Kelleher again picked in the number two shirt.

Joe McCarthy and James Ryan form an unchanged second row with Max Deegan and Josh van der Flier joining Doris in the back row.

Leinster are hoping to retain the URC title after missing out on a fifth Champions Cup success with defeat by Bordeaux in Bilbao in May.

Leo Cullen's side beat the Bulls 32-7 in last season's URC final.

Leinster: Hugo Keenan; Tommy O'Brien, Rieko Ioane, Jamie Osborne, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jerry Cahir, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Max Deegan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt)

Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Alex Usanov, Thomas Clarkson, Diarmuid Mangan, Jack Conan, Luke McGrath, Harry Byrne, Garry Ringrose

Bulls: Willie le Roux; Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Harold Vorster, Stravino Jacobs; Handre Pollard, Embrose Papier; Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Francois Klopper, Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje, Marcell Coetzee (capt), Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom

Replacements: Marco van Staden, Jan‑Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw, Cobus Wiese, Jeandre Rudolph, Zak Burger, Stedman Gans, Nizaam Carr

Jana McCabe
BBC Sport NI journalist

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Leinster head coach Leo Cullen says coach Jacques Nienaber is "fully committed" to the province who are "lucky to have" him.

The two-time World Cup winner with the Springboks had cast doubt on his Leinster future earlier in the week after claiming he does not feel valued by the media and fans in Ireland.

However, Cullen is hopeful he will remain as part of the coaching staff and that Nienaber's comments may have been misunderstood.

"I think what he [Nienaber] was referring to is there are no guarantees in sport, is there?" Cullen said.

"So, I think what he is trying to get across, is that when there is a lot of flak on the team from media, sometimes a club will make changes, and I think that is what he was referring to.

"But I think in his own mind, yes, he is fully committed to Leinster so please don't get confused by that and I would be of the same opinion as well."

Nienaber is under contract until 2027 and helped Leinster win the United Rugby Championship title last year.

However, they suffered their fifth defeat in a Champions Cup final since 2018 in May when Bordeaux-Begles produced a ruthless display in Bilbao.

Cullen added that he has enjoyed Neinaber's three years at the province and confirmed he is in his future plans.

"Jacques is brilliant, I have to say I have really enjoyed working with Jacques," Cullen continued.

"I think we have a great group of coaches here. I think we have a great staff as well; there are so many great people in the building and it's a very enjoyable place to work.

"We are very lucky to have him [Neinaber]. He is a brilliant person, brilliant individual to work with and that is very much the plan for sure."

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Leinster hooker Dan Sheehan has been ruled out of Saturday's United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Stormers at Aviva Stadium (17:30 BST).

Joe McCarthy has recovered from a knock sustained in last week's quarter-final win over the Lions to partner James Ryan in the second row, while Ronan Kelleher replaces Sheehan at hooker.

Two other changes see Jamison Gibson-Park replace Luke McGrath at scrum-half while Josh van der Flier comes in for Scott Penny at open-side flanker.

James Lowe again starts on the left wing as uncertainty grows over the 33-year-old's future in Irish rugby. The 2025 British and Irish Lion became Leinster's all-time leading tryscorer in last week's resounding 59-10 win over the Lions in Dublin.

Sam Prendergast continues at fly-half after impressing against the Lions, with Hugo Keenan and Jimmy O'Brien joining Lowe in the back three, as Tommy O'Brien misses out again.

New Zealand international Rieko Ioane and Jamie Osborne are again paired in midfield.

With the injured Tadhg Furlong still sidelined, Thomas Clarkson is named at tight-head prop with Andrew Porter at loose-head.

Max Deegan and captain Caelan Doris join the returning Van der Flier in the back row.

Leinster are aiming to retain the URC title and extinguish some of the pain of last month's Investec Champions Cup final loss to Bordeaux-Begles.

Leinster: HKeenan; J O'Brien, R Ioane, J Osborne, J Lowe; S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, R Kelleher, T Clarkson, J McCarthy, J Ryan, M Deegan, J van der Flier, C Doris (capt).

Replacements: G McCarthy, A Usanov, R Slimani, D Mangan, J Conan, L McGrath, H Byrne, G Ringrose.