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IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Leinster cruise through to URC final against Bulls but their jaded fans are not convinced
Despite being labelled the 'best in Europe' for years, the Irish giants have not lifted a major trophy since 2018. The semi-final victory did break one curse — they had lost their last three URC semi-finals, including a defeat to the Bulls — but the spectre of failure still looms large, particularly in the Champions Cup, where they've been runners-up too many times for their supporters to count. The men in blue were emphatic in ending the reign of defending champions Glasgow on Saturday, running in six tries in a 37–19 semi-final win. But for Leinster fans, reaching finals no longer means much — not after a string of near-misses and heartbreaks. The 'chokers' tag still pinned to the Leinster mast could well be the Bulls' biggest ally in Saturday's United Rugby Championship final in Dublin. More recently, Leinster were stunned at home by the Northampton Saints in a Champions Cup semi-final, prompting critics to argue the team was past its sell-by date and that some veterans needed to be moved on. Tellingly, before the Glasgow match, several Irish television pundits tipped the Warriors to win — a clear sign of how far confidence in Leinster had slipped. But a fired-up Leinster outfit came bursting out of the blocks. Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan crossed early, and centre Jamie Osborne added a brace of tries as the hosts raced ahead. By half-time, the match was effectively over as a contest. Leinster added two more tries after the break, with Glasgow salvaging respectability through two late consolation scores. The Bulls' analysts will no doubt take note of scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park's masterclass — the New Zealand-born No 9 dictated tempo and peppered Glasgow with astute kicks that regularly caused fumbles. However, they'll also have seen defensive frailties in Leinster flyhalf Sam Prendergast, who was exposed more than once. This ongoing issue is widely believed to have cost him a place in the British and Irish Lions squad set to tour Australia. That gives the Bulls a clear tactical opportunity: pressurise the brilliant Gibson-Park, and target Prendergast when attacking. The Bulls' back three, meanwhile, can expect another aerial assault on Saturday at Croke Park. Gibson-Park will almost certainly employ the same high-pressure kicking game that undid the Warriors. Still, for all Leinster's brilliance, few fans will believe they've finally broken their finals curse until they see captain and No 8 Jack Conan lifting the URC trophy. There is, however, a sense that the team has been sobered by past failures. The complacency that once cost them dearly appears to have been replaced by urgency and humility. That new mindset was perfectly captured in the post-match comments of Player of the Match Ryan Baird, the blindside flanker. 'We needed to turn up today — no excuses,' he said. 'We couldn't take it for granted. I was telling myself beforehand, I don't have a decision today — I have to turn up. 'We want to win this tournament, and that means you've got to show up. If you don't, you lose and you're out. It's as simple as that.'
RTÉ News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Jamison Gibson-Park admits Leinster's European exit tempered Lions call-up joy
Jamison Gibson-Park admits the cruel timing of Caelan Doris' long-term injury combined with Leinster's shock European exit tempered the joy of his British and Irish Lions call-up. Scrum-half Gibson-Park is among 12 Leinster players selected by Lions head coach Andy Farrell for this summer's series against Australia. Provincial team-mate Doris would have increased that figure to 13 and was a leading contender to captain the side but faces four to six months on the sidelines after undergoing shoulder surgery. The Ireland skipper sustained the issue during Leinster's agonising 37-34 Investec Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton on May 3 – just five days before the Lions squad was announced. "It was bizarre, to tell you the truth, it was an emotional rollercoaster," Gibson-Park said of the days surrounding Lions selection. "There's plenty going on, Caelan probably being the biggest one. It was unbelievably tough on him. "He's been such a great player for club and country. He's had an unbelievable run with injuries and it's just the cruelty of the game sometimes. "We were sickened for him, but in the same breath there's something there to celebrate. It was a pretty strange week." Back-rower Doris performed post-match media duties following Leinster's loss to Northampton before the true extent of his injury emerged. England lock Maro Itoje was subsequently named Lions skipper by head coach Farrell. "We were hanging on to hope, you never know until you get scans," Gibson-Park said of Doris. "We were hanging on to a little bit that it might not have been serious but unfortunately for him it was. "His performances have been unbelievably consistent for a long time. Unbelievable from a leadership point of view, captain of club and country. "He'll certainly be missed in both, he's a great fella, awesome fella to have around so he'll be missed." Asked about the inquest into the Northampton defeat, Gibson-Park replied: "Fairly bleak as you can imagine. You have to suck it up, take the learnings and move on." Farrell's 38-man Lions squad assembled for the first time on Sunday morning in south-west London. Warm-up matches for the tour begin on June 20 when Argentina visit Dublin, with the three Tests against the Wallabies scheduled for July 19, 26 and August 2. New Zealand-born Gibson-Park, who made his Ireland debut in 2020 after qualifying on residency grounds, is the frontrunner to wear the Lions number nine jersey. Tomos Williams – one of only two Welshman in the squad – and England's Alex Mitchell are the other options. "I'm looking forward to getting stuck in," said Gibson-Park, who has 43 Ireland caps. "A couple of unbelievable players, massive parts of the teams they play on. "It will be awesome to spend some time with them and pick their brains. "I wasn't really in the mix last time (the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa). I was a little bit far away. "Once I started getting a bit more exposure at international level, it became a little bit real. From then on it's a massive aspiration. It's a cool thing to be able to say."
Rhyl Journal
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Jamison Gibson-Park admits Leinster's European exit tempered Lions call-up joy
Scrum-half Gibson-Park is among 12 Leinster players selected by Lions head coach Andy Farrell for this summer's series against Australia. Provincial team-mate Doris would have increased that figure to 13 and was a leading contender to captain the side but faces four to six months on the sidelines after undergoing shoulder surgery. The Ireland skipper sustained the issue during Leinster's agonising 37-34 Investec Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton on May 3 – just five days before the Lions squad was announced. 'It was bizarre, to tell you the truth, it was an emotional rollercoaster,' Gibson-Park said of the days surrounding Lions selection. 'There's plenty going on, Caelan probably being the biggest one. It was unbelievably tough on him. 'He's been such a great player for club and country. He's had an unbelievable run with injuries and it's just the cruelty of the game sometimes. Ready for the players! 🔴🙌#Lions2025 #WeGoBeyond — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) May 18, 2025 'We were sickened for him, but in the same breath there's something there to celebrate. It was a pretty strange week.' Back-rower Doris performed post-match media duties following Leinster's loss to Northampton before the true extent of his injury emerged. England lock Maro Itoje was subsequently named Lions skipper by head coach Farrell. 'We were hanging on to hope, you never know until you get scans,' Gibson-Park said of Doris. 'We were hanging on to a little bit that it might not have been serious but unfortunately for him it was. 'His performances have been unbelievably consistent for a long time. Unbelievable from a leadership point of view, captain of club and country. 'He'll certainly be missed in both, he's a great fella, awesome fella to have around so he'll be missed.' Asked about the inquest into the Northampton defeat, Gibson-Park replied: 'Fairly bleak as you can imagine. You have to suck it up, take the learnings and move on.' Farrell's 38-man Lions squad assembled for the first time on Sunday morning in south-west London. Warm-up matches for the tour begin on June 20 when Argentina visit Dublin, with the three Tests against the Wallabies scheduled for July 19, 26 and August 2. New Zealand-born Gibson-Park, who made his Ireland debut in 2020 after qualifying on residency grounds, is the frontrunner to wear the Lions number nine jersey. Tomos Williams – one of only two Welshman in the squad – and England's Alex Mitchell are the other options. 'I'm looking forward to getting stuck in,' said Gibson-Park, who has 43 Ireland caps. 'A couple of unbelievable players, massive parts of the teams they play on. 'It will be awesome to spend some time with them and pick their brains. 'I wasn't really in the mix last time (the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa). I was a little bit far away. 'Once I started getting a bit more exposure at international level, it became a little bit real. From then on it's a massive aspiration. It's a cool thing to be able to say.'
South Wales Guardian
18-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Jamison Gibson-Park admits Leinster's European exit tempered Lions call-up joy
Scrum-half Gibson-Park is among 12 Leinster players selected by Lions head coach Andy Farrell for this summer's series against Australia. Provincial team-mate Doris would have increased that figure to 13 and was a leading contender to captain the side but faces four to six months on the sidelines after undergoing shoulder surgery. Caelan Doris has been ruled out following shoulder surgery (Niall Carson/PA) The Ireland skipper sustained the issue during Leinster's agonising 37-34 Investec Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton on May 3 – just five days before the Lions squad was announced. 'It was bizarre, to tell you the truth, it was an emotional rollercoaster,' Gibson-Park said of the days surrounding Lions selection. 'There's plenty going on, Caelan probably being the biggest one. It was unbelievably tough on him. 'He's been such a great player for club and country. He's had an unbelievable run with injuries and it's just the cruelty of the game sometimes. Ready for the players! 🔴🙌#Lions2025 #WeGoBeyond — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) May 18, 2025 'We were sickened for him, but in the same breath there's something there to celebrate. It was a pretty strange week.' Back-rower Doris performed post-match media duties following Leinster's loss to Northampton before the true extent of his injury emerged. England lock Maro Itoje was subsequently named Lions skipper by head coach Farrell. Maro Itoje will lead the British and Irish Lions in Australia (John Walton/PA) 'We were hanging on to hope, you never know until you get scans,' Gibson-Park said of Doris. 'We were hanging on to a little bit that it might not have been serious but unfortunately for him it was. 'His performances have been unbelievably consistent for a long time. Unbelievable from a leadership point of view, captain of club and country. 'He'll certainly be missed in both, he's a great fella, awesome fella to have around so he'll be missed.' Jamison Gibson-Park admitted the Champions Cup exit for Leinster was 'bleak' (Damien Eagers/PA) Asked about the inquest into the Northampton defeat, Gibson-Park replied: 'Fairly bleak as you can imagine. You have to suck it up, take the learnings and move on.' Farrell's 38-man Lions squad assembled for the first time on Sunday morning in south-west London. Warm-up matches for the tour begin on June 20 when Argentina visit Dublin, with the three Tests against the Wallabies scheduled for July 19, 26 and August 2. New Zealand-born Gibson-Park, who made his Ireland debut in 2020 after qualifying on residency grounds, is the frontrunner to wear the Lions number nine jersey. Tomos Williams – one of only two Welshman in the squad – and England's Alex Mitchell are the other options. Alex Mitchell is in contention for the Lions' scrum-half jersey (Damien Eagers/PA) 'I'm looking forward to getting stuck in,' said Gibson-Park, who has 43 Ireland caps. 'A couple of unbelievable players, massive parts of the teams they play on. 'It will be awesome to spend some time with them and pick their brains. 'I wasn't really in the mix last time (the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa). I was a little bit far away. 'Once I started getting a bit more exposure at international level, it became a little bit real. From then on it's a massive aspiration. It's a cool thing to be able to say.'
Powys County Times
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Jamison Gibson-Park admits Leinster's European exit tempered Lions call-up joy
Jamison Gibson-Park admits the cruel timing of Caelan Doris' long-term injury combined with Leinster's shock European exit tempered the joy of his British and Irish Lions call-up. Scrum-half Gibson-Park is among 12 Leinster players selected by Lions head coach Andy Farrell for this summer's series against Australia. Provincial team-mate Doris would have increased that figure to 13 and was a leading contender to captain the side but faces four to six months on the sidelines after undergoing shoulder surgery. The Ireland skipper sustained the issue during Leinster's agonising 37-34 Investec Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton on May 3 – just five days before the Lions squad was announced. 'It was bizarre, to tell you the truth, it was an emotional rollercoaster,' Gibson-Park said of the days surrounding Lions selection. 'There's plenty going on, Caelan probably being the biggest one. It was unbelievably tough on him. 'He's been such a great player for club and country. He's had an unbelievable run with injuries and it's just the cruelty of the game sometimes. Ready for the players! 🔴🙌 #Lions2025 #WeGoBeyond — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) May 18, 2025 'We were sickened for him, but in the same breath there's something there to celebrate. It was a pretty strange week.' Back-rower Doris performed post-match media duties following Leinster's loss to Northampton before the true extent of his injury emerged. England lock Maro Itoje was subsequently named Lions skipper by head coach Farrell. 'We were hanging on to hope, you never know until you get scans,' Gibson-Park said of Doris. 'We were hanging on to a little bit that it might not have been serious but unfortunately for him it was. 'His performances have been unbelievably consistent for a long time. Unbelievable from a leadership point of view, captain of club and country. 'He'll certainly be missed in both, he's a great fella, awesome fella to have around so he'll be missed.' Asked about the inquest into the Northampton defeat, Gibson-Park replied: 'Fairly bleak as you can imagine. You have to suck it up, take the learnings and move on.' Farrell's 38-man Lions squad assembled for the first time on Sunday morning in south-west London. Warm-up matches for the tour begin on June 20 when Argentina visit Dublin, with the three Tests against the Wallabies scheduled for July 19, 26 and August 2. New Zealand-born Gibson-Park, who made his Ireland debut in 2020 after qualifying on residency grounds, is the frontrunner to wear the Lions number nine jersey. Tomos Williams – one of only two Welshman in the squad – and England's Alex Mitchell are the other options. 'I'm looking forward to getting stuck in,' said Gibson-Park, who has 43 Ireland caps. 'A couple of unbelievable players, massive parts of the teams they play on. 'It will be awesome to spend some time with them and pick their brains. 'I wasn't really in the mix last time (the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa). I was a little bit far away. 'Once I started getting a bit more exposure at international level, it became a little bit real. From then on it's a massive aspiration. It's a cool thing to be able to say.'
