Leinster have kicked off their pursuit of a fifth European title with a commanding 48-23 bonus-point victory against Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel-Michelin. The Irish province delivered a seven-try performance in their Investec Champions Cup pool one opener.
Despite Clermont briefly leading before half-time, Leinster, featuring numerous Ireland internationals, pulled away in the second half. Tadhg Furlong and Dan Sheehan scored first-half tries, with Sheehan adding a second after the break. Sam Prendergast, who scored 16 points, also crossed the try line early in the second half, setting the tone for Leinster's dominance.
A penalty try was awarded to Leinster, and further scores from Jack Conan and Tommy O'Brien sealed a convincing win for the four-time champions. Clermont's tries came from Joris Jurand and Mathys Belaubre, with Harry Plummer contributing 11 points from kicks.
Before kick-off, a moment of silence was observed in memory of Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who died on Friday aged 31.