Leinster will today look to put past heartbreak behind them as they face Toulouse in the Champions Cup final.
This is the third time in as many years that the Irish side have reached the final, but they have been beaten by La Rochelle in each of the last two seasons, by one point a year ago and three points in 2022.
Leinster were also runners-up in 2019, when losing to Saracens, so they will be desperate to get over the line as they bid to be crowned European champions for the first time in six years.
Victory would bring a record-equalling fifth Champions Cup title, drawing them level with Toulouse, who have not been in the final since they beat La Rochelle to lift the trophy three years ago.
Toulouse have been in typically sparkling form, seeing off Racing 92, Exeter Chiefs and then Harlequins to reach the final, while Leinster avenged past defeats by hammering La Rochelle in the quarter-finals.
It was a nervy last-four clash against Northampton, but James Lowe’s hat-trick led Leinster to a 20-17 victory, and a third consecutive final.
These two sides have met in the Champions Cup in both of the last two seasons, with Leinster coming out on top each time.
Leinster vs Toulouse date, kick-off time and venue
Leinster vs Toulouse will take place today, Saturday, May 25, 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 2:45pm BST.
The match is being played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
How to watch Leinster vs Toulouse
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 1:30pm BST ahead of a 2:45pm kick-off.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Discovery+ app or website.
Leinster vs Toulouse team news
Leinster named a heavily rotated side in a defeat to Ulster over the weekend, with the focus very much on the Champions Cup final, though James Ryan and Hugo Keenan did feature on their returns from injury as they continue to build back to full fitness.
Ryan had not played since he was involved for Ireland against Wales in the Six Nations, suffering a biceps injury in training, and he is named on the bench for the final.
Garry Ringrose misses out due to a shoulder injury. Jamie Osborne continues in his absence, while Jordan Larmour wins the battle to start on the wing.
For Toulouse, Santiago Chocobares is on the bench after a ban for a dangerous tackle.
The Argentinian was cited for a dangerous tackle on Luke Northmore in the semi-finals against Harlequins, with a six-week suspension reduced to three due to a guilty plea. However, a further week was taken off that by attending tackle school, leaving Chocobares free to feature in the final.
Toulouse also rotated their side last time out, meaning the likes of Antoine Dupont and Emmanuel Meafou come back into the starting line-up against Leinster.
Leinster vs Toulouse lineups
Leinster XV: Keenan, Larmour, Henshaw, Osborne, Lowe, Byrne, Gibson-Park, Doris, Connors, Baird, Jenkins, McCarthy, Furlong, Sheehan, Porter
Replacements: Kelleher, Healy, Ala’alatoa, Ryan, Conan, McGrath, Frawley, Van der Flier
Toulouse XV: Kinghorn, Mallia, Costes, Ahki, Lebel, Ntamack, Dupont, Roumat, Willis, Cros, Meafou, Flament, Aldegheri, Mauvaka, Baille
Replacements: Marchand, Neti, Merkler, Arnold, Brennan, Graou, Chocobares, Ramos
Leinster vs Toulouse prediction
These are two sides with rich European history and another tight final appears to be on the cards.
Leinster have been pipped in the last two seasons but will believe they can go one better here, having knocked out La Rochelle with what was a statement win.
Toulouse have an extra hurdle to overcome in that they have lost to Leinster in the last two seasons, with that surely at least in the back of their minds heading into this final.
Fine margins will decide it - we’re going for Leinster to edge an enthralling encounter.
Leinster to win, by three points
Leinster vs Toulouse match odds
Leinster to win: 10/11
Toulouse to win: Evens
Draw: 20/1
