Rónan Kelleher: Leinster's URC play-off record leaves a 'sour taste'

RTÉ News​

2 days ago

Rónan Kelleher says Leinster have shaken off their Champions Cup frustration, and have their sights firmly set on ending their four-year wait for a trophy.
The province host Scarlets on Saturday (live on RTE2 and RTE Player) in their BKT United Rugby Championship quarter-final, and come into the play-offs following an unwelcome rest for the Champions Cup final weekend.
It's just over four weeks since Northampton Saints stunned Leo Cullen's side in their semi-final at Aviva Stadium, crushing their hopes of a fifth Champions Cup title and ramping up the pressure on them for the URC play-offs.
A facile win against Zebre, and an error-ridden win versus Glasgow Warriors has done little to lift the mood around the province, although Kelleher insists they are ready to leave that Northampton defeat in the past.
"Disappointing not to be involved in the weekend just gone, but that was parked long ago after the semi-final defeat," he told RTÉ Sport ahead of Saturday's meeting with the Scarlets.
"So we're all just gearing up for this run-in and really excited to try and win a competition that we haven't won in a good few years."
The province last lifted silverware in 2021 when they won the old Pro14 championship, and have been beaten in the semi-final in each of the three seasons of the current URC; in 2022 and 2024 they were beaten by the Bulls, either side of a defeat to Munster in 2023.
And Kelleher (above) says they're determined to end that wait for a trophy, regardless of the competition.
"There's excitement in the group. There's a trophy to be won. We need to go out, we need to put our best foot forward, we need to execute our game plan well and try and impose ourselves on the game really.
"The last time we won the Pro14 was in 2021 in the Covid year, so we haven't given much for our fans to cheer about in a good while. We're really raring to go and trying to do a job in this competition.
"We had a bit of a sour taste in our mouth the last couple of years because we haven't got over the line in any competition.
"It's about putting our best foot forward, but also getting the lads who are leaving or moving on, giving them an opportunity to have their final day out in the jersey, and for them to be able to share it with their friends and family. It's a big focus for us all," he added.
While Leinster are heavy favourites to make light work of Scarlets, there should be no surprises around the dangers they can pose.
The Welsh side ripped Leinster apart, 35-22 when the sides met in Llanelli at the end of April (above), a game Kelleher captained Leinster for the first time in.
"Zero percent record unfortunately!" he laughs of his captaincy debut.
"I think Scarlets are obviously a quality side. You saw what they did to us only a couple of weeks ago, they rolled us over. They executed their gameplan really well that day.
"That kind of sharpens the mind. Everyone want to be there on the big day, on the final, but it's a step-by-step focus.
"Looking ahead at this weekend and the challenges they pose around the park. Their front row is very good, they have a powerful back-five in the scrum and experience in their backs and some good players throughout.
"We know how good they are and it's about us implementing our gameplan."
The hooker is among 12 Leinster and 15 Ireland internationals set to link up with the British and Irish Lions this summer, having been named in Andy Farrell's squad for the tour of Australia earlier this month.
Kelleher was briefly part of the 2021 tour in South Africa, called in as injury cover late in the tour, although he didn't see gametime.
"It was absolutely brilliant [to be called up]. It was amazing, the moment. When I saw my name was selected, I was delighted, family was delighted. I think getting selected is one thing, it's about going down there and doing a job.
"In the meantime we have our own aspirations as a club and a team, and that's very much the focus now. It's the here and now, what's in front of your face."