Leinster thrash Bulls 36-7 to secure second straight URC title at Croke Park

A first-half blitz

Leinster surged into a 22-0 halftime lead after tries from Tommy O'Brien, Rieko Ioane and Jack Conan. The Bulls contributed to their own downfall as Canan Moodie and Handré Pollard each received yellow cards for deliberate knock-ons, leaving them down to 14 men for lengthy periods. Leinster's defence, marshalled by Jacques Nienaber, drove the visitors back repeatedly, and Pollard's handling error gifted O'Brien the opening try inside three minutes. Sam Prendergast's kicking game and distribution kept the pressure on.

Record margin in front of 39,184

The 36-7 scoreline eclipsed last year's 32-7 win, making it the largest winning margin in a URC final. Leinster scored five tries to one, with Prendergast and Harry Byrne crossing after the break while Canan Moodie grabbed a consolation score for the Bulls. A crowd of 39,184 at Croke Park watched the Irish province claim their 10th league title and become the first team to win the URC twice, beating three South African sides in the knockout rounds.

Injury worries for Ireland

Captain Caelan Doris left the field after seven minutes with a foot injury, not a repeat of his recent knee problem. Tommy O'Brien also limped off before the break. Both players are scheduled to fly to Australia with Ireland on Monday. Ireland coach Andy Farrell will be anxious ahead of the Nations Championship opener against the Wallabies in Sydney in two weeks, followed by Tests against Japan and New Zealand. Doris said he would get the injury checked and remained optimistic.

I was optimistic about my knee and my knee was fine, it was actually something else, so we'll get it checked later.

Cullen and Prendergast react

Leo Cullen, who had faced criticism after another European Champions Cup final loss to Bordeaux-Begles, said the performance was "exceptional" and praised the squad's resilience. Sam Prendergast, named man of the match, described the feeling as similar to last year's final and spoke of the desire to win back-to-back titles for the departing veterans.

I thought there was so many good things in the performance today, and that's really pleasing.

The feeling felt very similar to last year's final. I suppose since Europe, my focus has been about winning this trophy, no one has won it back to back but now we have.

Farewell to departing players

The final marked the last match for James Lowe, Luke McGrath and Jerry Cahir. Lowe, who will move to Connacht, drew a yellow card but was greeted with chants from supporters. Cahir anchored the scrum in the absence of three looseheads and was singled out by Cullen for his persistence.