Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has voiced his frustration with media scrutiny, suggesting that journalists 'love throwing the boot in' at the Irish province. His comments came after Leinster secured their place in the Investec Champions Cup final with a hard-fought victory over Toulon. The match saw Leinster withstand a late resurgence from their French opponents, ultimately holding on for a win that sends them to their eighth Champions Cup showpiece event.
Despite the achievement of reaching another European final, Cullen appeared to take exception to what he perceived as ongoing negative coverage. He highlighted the team's consistent performance at the elite level of European rugby, implying that their successes are often overshadowed by criticism. Leinster have been a dominant force in the competition for many years, securing four titles previously.
The semi-final clash itself was a tense affair, with Leinster initially building a comfortable lead before Toulon mounted a spirited comeback in the latter stages. The Irish side’s composure under pressure, however, ultimately saw them through. This resilience will be crucial as they prepare for a formidable challenge in the final.
Leinster will now face fellow European giants Toulouse in what promises to be a compelling final. Toulouse, also a powerhouse in European rugby, will provide a stern test for Cullen's side, who will be aiming to add a fifth star to their illustrious history. The final is set to be a highly anticipated encounter between two of the competition's most successful clubs.