URC Grand Final LIVE coverage of Leinster v Bulls from Croke Park
Leo Cullen's Leinster are desperate to finish the season on a high by lifting silverware at Croke Park this evening - and for the first time in four years.
Blocking their path are Jack White's wily and experienced Bulls outfit that have made the trip to Dublin after beating fellow South African franchise the Sharks last Saturday.
Leinster haven't lost at Croke Park and are hoping their return to the GAA's iconic HQ inspires the right outcome from their point of view after yet more heartbreak in the Champions Cup this term.
But the province were hit with a late blow with the news that their world-class scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park is out of the game - Leinster confirmed that the Ireland star was ruled out earlier this afternoon.
With Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Robbie Henshaw and Hugo Keenan already out, the loss of Gibson-Park is a set-back for Cullen and his side in their bid for much-needed final success. Veteran No.9 Luke McGrath comes in for Gibson-Park, with academy scrum-half Fintan Gunne added to the bench.
The rain has stopped for now after a wet summer's day in the capital but the ball will be greasy and tensions will be high as both sides aim to lift the trophy.
Stay with us as we deliver live coverage of the decider, which kicks off at 5pm.
LEINSTER: Jimmy O'Brien; Tommy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Luke McGrath; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan (capt).
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Max Deegan, Fintan Gunne, Ross Byrne, Jamie Osborne.
BULLS: Willie le Roux; Canon Moodie, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Sebastian de Klerk; Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier; Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw; Cobus Wiese, JF van Heerden; Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje (capt), Marcell Coetzee.
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Alulutho Tshakweni, Mornay Smith, Jannes Kirsten, Nizaam Carr, Zak Burger, Keagan Johannes, Devon Williams.
The stage is set for the Grand Final and fans are out in full force, ready to bring the noise at Croke Park!#BKTURC #URC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/9T0UQGU2Op
On the line today@Vodacom #URC | #LEIvBUL pic.twitter.com/KL4WoLPfbD
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