Leinster lash Bulls to win URC title

Leinster made history in Dublin on Saturday, hammering the Vodacom Bulls at Croke Park to claim their first URC crown.

A convincing four-tries-to-one win for Leo Cullen’s men ended a four-year major trophy drought, and finally broke their URC-era drought while maintaining a perfect record at the iconic venue.

With the defence set by former Bok coach Jacques Nienaber, and the pack featuring fellow two-time World Cup winner RG Snyman in the second row, the Irish giants led 19-0 at half time and pulled away in the second half to seal a 32-7 victory, securing their first title on home soil since 2018 and becoming the fourth different URC champion in as many seasons.

It was the Bulls’ third URC final defeat in four years, as Leinster avenged two semi-final exits to Jake White’s charges.

Leinster draw first blood, and it’s their skipper who delivers. Jack Conan opens the scoring. @Vodacom #URC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/mylRdZq4lr

— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) June 14, 2025

Despite veteran scrumalf Jamison Gibson-Park’s pre-match withdrawal, Leinster dominated the first 40 minutes of the decider, leading through three tries and the boot of flyhalf Sam Prendergast. Skipper Jack Conan powered over for the opening score from a lineout maul after the hosts controlled early territory and set-piece battles, before All Blacks star Jordie Barrett successfully chased his hacked kick to score.

Jordie Barrett with the kick, the chase, the finish for @leinsterrugby! 🤯⚡
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A try worthy of a Grand Final — pure class, pure fire! 🔥#BKTURC #URC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/koZxUKGUxa

— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) June 14, 2025

Flanker Josh van der Flier completed the first-half rout, crashing over from another attacking maul. Prendergast converted two of three attempts.

The Bulls, who lost lock Cobus Wiese to a failed HIA before the break, were camped deep inside Leinster’s half late in the second quarter but couldn’t breach their defence despite confrontational runs from the likes of Marcell Coetzee.

It’s wave after wave from Leinster. Van der Flier powers over for their third. 💥@Vodacom #URC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/rT8kGQA8t8

— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) June 14, 2025

Prendergast opened the second-half scoring with a penalty before replacement hooker Akker van der Merwe finally broke the Bulls’ duck off the back of a lineout maul, and No 10 Johan Goosen converted to make it 22-7.

The Vodacom @BlueBullsRugby are on the board! Akker van der Merwe powers over to open their account. 👏@Vodacom #URC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/2gOEiWPWCr

— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) June 14, 2025

Prendergast added another three-pointer after missing an earlier penalty kick attempt, and 22-year-old scrumhalf Fintan Gunne capped his surprise cameo off the bench with a corner try, with Ross Byrne converting in his last club appearance before heading to Gloucester.

Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images