The 2026/27 Investec Champions Cup has thrown up some mouth-watering away trips for Connacht, Leinster and Munster supporters.

From the famous atmosphere of Clermont to weekends in Bordeaux, Bristol and La Rochelle, there are some fantastic European rugby destinations on this season’s schedule.

We’ve looked at the easiest ways to reach each away fixture from Ireland, taking into account winter flight schedules rather than simply the closest airport.

Connacht

Round 2 – Exeter Chiefs

Sunday 13 December 2026 – 1:00pm

• Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
• Recommended Airport: Bristol Airport (BRS)
• Transfer: Direct train from Bristol to Exeter (around 1 hour 20 minutes).
• Why? Exeter Airport has very limited services from Ireland during winter, while Bristol enjoys regular direct connections from Dublin, Cork and Shannon throughout the year.

Round 4 – La Rochelle

Saturday 16 January 2027 – 5:30pm

• Venue: Stade Marcel-Deflandre
• Recommended Airport: Bordeaux Airport (BOD)
• Transfer: Direct train from Bordeaux to La Rochelle (approximately two hours).
• Why? Although La Rochelle has an airport, the Dublin route only operates from late March until late September, meaning there are no direct winter flights from Ireland for this fixture. Bordeaux is by far the easiest option.

Leinster

Round 1 – Clermont Auvergne

Saturday 17 October 2026 – 3:15pm

• Venue: Stade Marcel-Michelin
• Recommended Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS)
• Transfer: Around two hours by direct train.
• Why? Lyon offers significantly more flight options from Ireland than Clermont-Ferrand and has an excellent rail connection.

Round 4 – Leicester Tigers

Saturday 16 January 2027 – 8:00pm

• Venue: Mattioli Woods Welford Road
• Recommended Airport: Birmingham Airport (BHX)
• Alternative: East Midlands Airport (EMA)
• Transfer: Birmingham Airport has direct rail services into Leicester in around one hour.
• Why? Birmingham generally offers the widest choice of direct flights from Ireland.

Munster

Round 2 – Bristol Bears

Saturday 12 December 2026 – 8:00pm

• Venue: Ashton Gate
• Recommended Airport: Bristol Airport (BRS)
• Transfer: Around 20 minutes by airport bus or taxi.
• Why? One of the easiest European away trips with frequent direct flights from Ireland.

Round 3 – Union Bordeaux Bègles

Sunday 10 January 2027 – 4:15pm

• Venue: Stade Chaban-Delmas
• Recommended Airport: Bordeaux Airport (BOD)
• Transfer: Around 30 minutes into the city centre by tram and bus.
• Why? Bordeaux remains one of the best-connected French cities from Ireland during the winter schedule.

At a Glance

Supporters are advised to wait until airlines release their full winter schedules before booking. Fixture dates are confirmed, but kick-off times and television selections can still change.

Whether it’s a quick hop across to Bristol, a weekend in Bordeaux or a memorable trip to the volcanic heart of France in Clermont, Irish supporters have plenty to look forward to during another fascinating Investec Champions Cup campaign.

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There has been support for France, Ireland and Argentina, while punters have backed Fiji and Scotland to keep things closer than originally expected.

Here are our picks for every game.

New Zealand v Italy

Pick: Italy +32.0

New Zealand were outstanding against a top-class French side, playing with pace and accuracy throughout. With another Test to come, some rotation is expected.

Italy, meanwhile, simply couldn’t have played much worse against Japan. Errors, knock-ons and poor discipline plagued their performance, but they should improve significantly.

The handicap has edged out to 32 points, making Italy slightly more attractive.

Prediction: New Zealand by 24-30.

Australia v France

Pick: France -8.0

Australia will still be wondering how they let victory slip against Ireland, while France proved they can compete with the world’s best despite travelling without several frontline stars.

The market has moved from France -7.5 to -8.0, and it’s easy to see why. France look the more complete side and should create enough opportunities to pull away.

Prediction: France by 8-14.

Japan v Ireland

Pick: Ireland -20.0

Japan deserved plenty of praise for their victory over Italy, but Ireland showed real character to edge Australia in a high-quality contest.

The handicap has shortened slightly from 20.5 to 20 points, giving Ireland backers a little more value.

Ireland’s superior power and squad depth should prove decisive during the final quarter.

Prediction: Ireland by 24-28.

Fiji v England

Pick: Over 63.5 Points

Neither side produced their best last weekend.

Fiji were disappointing against Wales, while England were completely outclassed by South Africa.

The handicap has dropped from England -20.5 to -19.0, suggesting support for Fiji, but the total points market is far more appealing. Both teams are capable of scoring from anywhere, making this one of the best games of the weekend for entertainment.

Prediction: A high-scoring encounter with plenty of tries.

South Africa v Scotland

Pick: No Bet

South Africa looked every bit the world champions as they piled 45 points on England.

Scotland impressed against Argentina and have attracted enough support to see the handicap trimmed to 22 points.

The line now looks about right, making this a game to enjoy rather than force a bet.

Prediction: South Africa by 21-28.

Argentina v Wales

Best Bet: Argentina -17.0

Argentina were surprisingly subdued against Scotland, managing just three line breaks all game. Expect a much sharper performance on home soil.

Wales were impressive in beating Fiji, but this is a far tougher assignment. The market has continued to back the Pumas, with the handicap moving from 16.5 to 17 points.

Argentina have too much quality to produce back-to-back below-par displays.

Prediction: Argentina by 18-24.

SportsNewsIRELAND’s Best Bets

Argentina -17.0
France -8.0
Ireland -20.0
Italy +32.0 (Value)
Over 63.5 Points – Fiji v England

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There is another huge weekend of live sport on TV, with FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, All-Ireland football semi-finals, Nations Championship rugby, Wimbledon, Tour de France, Scottish Open golf, racing and athletics all live across Irish and UK channels.

Thursday 9 July

• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 1:30pm – Racing: Newmarket July Festival Day 2 – Virgin Media One
• 9:00pm – France v Morocco – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2

Friday 10 July

• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 5:00pm – USGAA v Warwickshire – All-Ireland Junior Football Semi-Final – TG4 YouTube
• 7:00pm – Diamond League Athletics, Monaco – Virgin Media Two
• 7:00pm – New York v London – All-Ireland Junior Football Semi-Final – TG4 YouTube
• 8:00pm – Belgium v Spain – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2

Saturday 11 July

• 6:10am – New Zealand v Italy – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 8:40am – Australia v France – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 11:10am – Japan v Ireland – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 1:15pm – Racing: Newmarket July Festival, July Cup Day 3 – Virgin Media Two
• 2:10pm – Fiji v England – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 3:30pm – Down v Wicklow – Tailteann Cup Final – RTÉ
• 4:40pm – South Africa v Scotland – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 6:00pm – Mayo v Louth – All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final – RTÉ / BBC NI
• 8:10pm – Argentina v Wales – Nations Championship – Virgin Media One
• 10:00pm – England v Norway – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2
• 2:00am Sunday – Argentina v Switzerland – FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final – RTÉ2

Sunday 12 July

• 10:00am–8:00pm – Scottish Open Golf – Sky Sports
• 1:45pm – USGAA/Warwickshire v New York/London – All-Ireland Junior Football Final – TG4 YouTube
• 4:00pm – Dublin v Kerry – All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final – RTÉ / BBC NI

Monday 13 July

• 5:30pm – Ireland v Fiji – World Rugby U20 Championship – Premier Sports

All Weekend / All Week

• Wimbledon Championships – live throughout the week on BBC One and BBC Two
• Tour de France – live all week on TG4 and TNT Sports 1

All times listed are Irish time.

Keep up to date with the latest live sport on TV listings on SportsNewsIRELAND.

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Played at a sell-out Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Andy Farrell’s men got the better of the Joe Schmidt-coached Wallabies as the sides produced a 10-try thriller.

Wallabies had half-time lead

With Ireland having problems in both the pack and the lineout, they were lucky to find themselves just five points behind at the half-way stage of the game.

Joe Schmidt’s side had opening half tries from Dylan Pietsch, Jock Campbell, Josh Canham and Ryan Lonergan.

The visitors had scored five pointers through Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier and a crucial try from Jamison Gibson-Park just before the interval – which ultimately kept Ireland within touching distance of the Wallabies, who at that stage were very much in the ascendency.

Clarkson try give Ireland win

Man of the match Hugo Keenan crossed for an Irish try in the second half, with Tate McDermott doing likewise for the hosts.

The TMO disallowed a Dan Sheehan effort as James Ryan was adjudged to have been ahead of the player in possession.

Ireland prop Tom Clarkson scored his second international try to put the men in green ahead on 77 minutes.

Australian replacement fly-half Ben Donaldson had an opportunity to snatch a victory for the home side when Bundee Aki was penalised with the clock in red.

The long range penalty attempt from Donaldson went to the right of the posts and wide to see Ireland claim an opening day success in the inaugural Nations Championship.

FARRELL: “THAT WAS A HELL OF A GAME”

Andy Farrell reacts after Ireland’s 33-31 win over Australia, praising the big moments, the fight after the break and Hugo Keenan’s huge tackle.

Catch the full day of rugby on Virgin Media PLAY and Virgin Media One #VMSport… pic.twitter.com/NEHeVUQXwN

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) July 4, 2026

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Andy Farrell’s side will play Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies at a sold-out Allianz Stadium, Sydney. with live coverage on Virgin Media Ireland.

Dan Sheehan will captain the Ireland rugby team for their inaugural Nations Championship fixture.

Hugo Keenan will start at fullback for Ireland, with Rob Baloucoune and Jamie Osborne on the wings.

Andy Farrell has chosen Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey to start in midfield, with Sam Prendergast partnering Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs.

Alongside Sheehan in the front row will be Tom O’Toole and Tadhg Furlong.

Joe McCarthy and James Ryan are in the second row.

The back row is made up of Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan.

The forwards on the bench are Rónan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman, Thomas Clarkson, Tadhg Beirne and Nick Timoney.

Farrell’s backline options are Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki.

Ireland Team

15. Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster), 14. Rob Baloucoune (Enniskillen/Ulster), 13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster), 12 Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster), 11. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster), 10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster), 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster).

1. Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(captain), 3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster), 4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster), 5. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster), 6. Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht), 7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster), 8. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster).

Ireland Replacements

16. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster), 17. Jeremy Loughman (Garryowen/Munster), 18. Thomas Clarkson (Blackrock College/Leinster), 19. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster), 20. Nick Timoney (Queen’s University/Ulster), 21. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster), 22. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster), 23. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht).

Ireland Facts

Ireland arrive in Sydney having won four of their last five matches, with victories over Scotland, Wales, England and Italy in the 2026 Six Nations.

Ireland have won all five of their most recent head-to-head meetings with Australia, including three victories in Dublin and two on Australian soil.

Stuart McCloskey was Ireland’s standout performer in their most recent match, earning a match rating of 9.1 with 17 carries, 7 defenders beaten and 2 try assists.

Ireland won 100% of their lineouts in the last meeting with Australia in November 2025, while the Wallabies managed just 68% of their own lineout ball in the same fixture.

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It is another packed weekend of live sport on TV, with World Cup action, international rugby, GAA championship games, Formula 1, racing and Wimbledon all available across RTÉ, TG4, Virgin Media, BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

Friday 3rd April

• Argentina v Cape Verde – 11:00am – RTÉ2 & ITV
• Australia v Egypt – 7:00pm – RTÉ2 & BBC1

Saturday 4th July

• Colombia v Ghana – World Cup – 2:30am – RTÉ2 & ITV
• New Zealand v France – Rugby – 8:10am – Virgin Media One & ITV
• Japan v Italy – Rugby – 9:40am – ITV4
• Australia v Ireland – Rugby – 11:00am – Virgin Media One & ITV
• Kilkenny v Waterford – Camogie – 1:00pm – RTÉ1
• Sandown Racing – 1:30pm – Virgin Media Two
• Armagh v Kildare – Women’s Football – 1:45pm – TG4
• Wales v Fiji – Rugby – 2:10pm – Virgin Media One & ITV
• Cork v Galway – Hurling Semi-Final – 2:30pm – RTÉ1
• South Africa v England – Rugby – 4:40pm – Virgin Media One & ITV4
• Kerry v Meath – Women’s Football – 5:15pm – TG4
• Canada v Morocco – World Cup – 6:00pm – RTÉ2 & ITV1
• Dublin v Cork – Women’s Football – 7:30pm – TG4
• Argentina v Scotland – Rugby – 8:30pm – Virgin Media One & ITV4
• Paraguay v France – World Cup – 10:00pm – RTÉ2 & BBC1

Sunday

• Clare v Tipperary – Camogie – 1:30pm – RTÉ
• British Grand Prix – Formula 1 – 2:30pm – Channel 4
• Limerick v Clare – Hurling – 4:00pm – RTÉ
• Galway v Mayo – Women’s Football – 5:45pm – TG4
• Brazil v Norway – World Cup – 9:00pm – RTÉ2 & ITV
• England v Mexico – World Cup – 1:00am – RTÉ2 & BBC1

Wimbledon Live On TV

Wimbledon tennis will also be shown across the weekend on BBC One and BBC Two, adding to a bumper weekend of live sporting action.

Live Sport On TV This Weekend

From Ireland’s rugby clash with Australia to major GAA championship fixtures and World Cup football, sports fans have a huge weekend ahead. Keep an eye on RTÉ, TG4, Virgin Media, BBC, ITV and Channel 4 for full live coverage.

SportsNewsIRELAND – Your home for live sport coverage.

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Ireland begin their 2026 World Rugby Under-20 Championship campaign on Saturday with a huge Pool C clash against England at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Kick-off is at 12.30pm Irish time, with the game shown live on Premier Sports and RugbyPass TV.

This is a repeat of one of Ireland’s standout results from the Under-20 Six Nations, when Andrew Browne’s side defeated England 31-21. However, there have been several important changes since that meeting, and both teams arrive in Georgia with fresh selection calls, new combinations and plenty to prove.

England Favourites Despite Six Nations Defeat

England come into the game as bookmakers’ favourites, priced at 4/11, while Ireland are available at 2/1. The handicap has England at -7.5, suggesting the market expects a competitive contest but gives England the edge.

That price is understandable given England’s depth and physical power, but Ireland will not lack belief. They have already beaten this opposition this year and will know that another strong performance could give them the perfect start to their World Championship campaign.

Big Call As Charlie O’Shea Starts At Ten

The major talking point in the Ireland selection is at out-half, where Charlie O’Shea has been handed the number 10 jersey.

O’Shea was used from the bench throughout the Under-20 Six Nations, but Browne has now trusted him to run the Irish attack from the start. It is a big opportunity for the Munster playmaker and one of the most interesting selection decisions of the opening round.

The surprise is that Tom Wood drops to the bench. Wood impressed during the Six Nations and many would have expected him to continue as Ireland’s starting out-half. His ability to cover multiple roles still makes him a major weapon later in the game, but his omission from the starting XV is certainly a bold call.

O’Shea partners fellow Munster player Christopher Barrett in the half-backs, giving Ireland an all-Cork pairing at nine and ten.

Noah Byrne One To Watch

One player Irish supporters should keep a close eye on is Noah Byrne.

The former Dublin minor footballer starts at full-back after impressing throughout the Under-20 Six Nations, where he established himself as one of Ireland’s standout performers. Byrne’s GAA background is clear in his aerial ability, sharp reading of the game and confidence when attacking space.

England are likely to test Ireland’s back three with a strong kicking game, but Byrne has the pace and composure to turn pressure into opportunity. If Ireland can give him broken-field ball, he could be one of their most dangerous attacking outlets.

Ireland Pack Has Power And Continuity

Ireland captain Sami Bishti leads the side from tighthead prop and packs down alongside Max Doyle and Rian Handley in the front row.

Donnacha McGuire and Dylan McNeice form the second-row partnership, while the back row of Josh Neill, Ben Blaney and Connacht’s Diarmaid O’Connell gives Ireland a strong blend of physicality, work rate and ball-carrying threat.

O’Connell’s battle with England captain Connor Treacey at number eight could be one of the defining contests of the game.

England Make Changes From Six Nations Meeting

England have also made notable changes from the side beaten by Ireland earlier this year.

Alan Poku, Zac Finch and Hugh Shields all earn their first Under-20 caps, with Shields starting at out-half. That means Finn Keylock, who featured prominently during the Six Nations, is named on the bench.

England still have plenty of experience across the side. Scrum-half Lucas Friday starts at nine, Nick Lilley brings considerable Under-20 experience in midfield, and captain Connor Treacey leads from number eight.

Their bench also has impact, with Keylock, George Pearson and Jack Lewis among those who could influence the second half.

Key Battles

Charlie O’Shea v Hugh Shields

Both out-halves have something to prove. O’Shea gets his chance after spending the Six Nations on the bench, while Shields makes his Under-20 debut for England. Game management, territory and goal-kicking could decide the match.

Diarmaid O’Connell v Connor Treacey

Ireland’s Connacht number eight faces England’s captain in a major physical battle. Whoever wins the gain line here gives their side a huge platform.

Noah Byrne v England’s Kicking Game

Byrne’s composure under the high ball and ability to counter-attack could be vital. If England kick loosely, Ireland have a player capable of punishing them.

Ireland U20 Team

15. Noah Byrne, 14. Charlie Molony, 13. Rob Carney, 12. James O’Leary, 11. Daniel Ryan, 10. Charlie O’Shea, 9. Christopher Barrett.

1. Max Doyle, 2. Rian Handley, 3. Sami Bishti capt, 4. Donnacha McGuire, 5. Dylan McNeice, 6. Josh Neill, 7. Ben Blaney, 8. Diarmaid O’Connell.

Replacements: Duinn Maguire, Adam Cooper, Jamie Conway, Paddy Woods, Alex Lautsou, James O’Dwyer, Tom Wood, Jack Deegan.

Prediction

England deserve respect as favourites, but Ireland have already shown they can beat this side. The Six Nations win will give Browne’s players real confidence, though England’s changes and physical depth make this a serious challenge.

The selection of Charlie O’Shea at ten is a brave call, while the impact of Tom Wood from the bench could be crucial in the final quarter. If Ireland can match England physically and get Noah Byrne involved from full-back, they have every chance of making a winning start.

Prediction: England U20 24-24 Ireland U20.

Match Details

Fixture: England U20 v Ireland U20
Competition: World Rugby Under-20 Championship, Pool C
Venue: Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi, Georgia
Date: Saturday
Kick-off: 12.30pm Irish time
TV/Stream: Premier Sports and RugbyPass TV

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Leo Cullen’s remarkable 12-year spell as Leinster head coach is set to come to an end, with the province expected to confirm that he will leave his role at the conclusion of the 2026/27 season.

The decision brings to a close one of the most successful coaching eras in Irish provincial rugby. Since taking charge in 2015, the former Leinster captain has overseen a period of sustained excellence, delivering the 2018 Champions Cup and six URC titles, including last Friday’s triumph.

However, his tenure will also be remembered for a series of agonising European near misses. Leinster reached five Champions Cup finals after their 2018 success but fell short in 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 and again in 2026, leading to growing scrutiny over the province’s inability to convert dominance into European silverware.

End of an Era

Cullen has become synonymous with Leinster rugby, both as a player and coach. Under his leadership, the province consistently produced Ireland internationals and remained one of Europe’s strongest clubs, regularly reaching the latter stages of the Champions Cup and URC.

Yet the pressure surrounding those repeated final defeats intensified over recent seasons, despite domestic success.

The IRFU and Leinster are expected to begin the search for his successor ahead of the 2027 season.

Recent Comments Raised Eyebrows

While Cullen’s achievements on the field are unquestionable, the closing months of his tenure have also been marked by several unusual public comments.

Following Leinster’s Champions Cup campaign, Cullen criticised sections of the media over their coverage of the team, suggesting some journalists had created unnecessary negativity around the province. The remarks attracted attention, with many observers feeling criticism naturally accompanies a side with Leinster’s resources and expectations.

He also referenced what he described as online “Munster trolls”, claiming social media discourse had become increasingly toxic. While there is no doubt online abuse exists across all sports, some supporters felt Cullen’s focus on online commentary was an unusual distraction at a time when attention remained firmly on Leinster’s performances in Europe.

Legacy Secure

Despite those recent controversies, Cullen’s legacy is unlikely to be defined by his final press conferences.

Instead, he leaves having maintained Leinster as one of Europe’s elite clubs for more than a decade, helping develop the core of Ireland’s recent international success while delivering consistent silverware.

The challenge for his successor will be significant. Domestically, Leinster remain the benchmark. In Europe, however, the expectation will be to end a run of five Champions Cup final defeats and return the game’s biggest club prize to Dublin.

For Cullen, the final season of his tenure now presents one last opportunity to finish with the European title that has so narrowly eluded Leinster in recent years.

Speaking about his departure from the role Head Coach Leo Cullen said: “By the end of next season, in 2027, I will have been in my current job for 12 years. It’ll also be 32 years since I first represented Leinster as a Schools player! So, I think the timing will be right for me to move on to a new challenge.

“I managed 10 years as a player on different Leinster teams before moving to Leicester in 2005 and then returning to Leinster in 2007 to go on to experience some of the most amazing days imaginable.

“As many of you will know, I’m committed to Leinster up until the end of next season, and I intend to honour my contract, as I always have done.

“We’re moving back to Laya Arena at the start of next season, and we can’t wait for that homecoming. We also have players leaving Leinster and other players who’ll potentially be coming in. So, I think it’s good to have continuity and certainty heading into the summer.

“We have a fantastic group of coaches, staff and players here and I know the club will do everything to ensure continuity and stability – two cornerstones of Leinster Rugby. 

“I want to thank the Leinster Professional Game Board, in particular Shane Nolan, Guy Easterby and Frank Doherty, for their support throughout this process and indeed during my time as Leinster Head Coach.

“And to my family, friends and all Leinster supporters a huge thanks also.”

Leinster Rugby CEO, Shane Nolan said: “I would like to thank Leo for everything he has done as the Head Coach of Leinster Rugby, his achievements in the role speak for themselves, including winning seven trophies in 11 years culminating in a brilliant URC Grand Final win at Croke Park last Friday. Leo has been a great player, coach and leader for Leinster and will always be held in the highest regard by anyone that has ever been fortunate enough to work with him.

“Leo and his coaching team are already well advanced in their planning for the new season and will continue to drive the high standards that have been a hallmark of his time as Head Coach and has seen Leinster consistently competing for trophies season after season. I am sure all Leinster supporters will join me in celebrating Leo and his achievements throughout his final year in charge.

“We have begun the process to recruit our new Head Coach and will work to ensure that we secure the best possible candidate to continue the success of Leinster Rugby.”

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Live Sport This Weekend: GAA, FIFA World Cup, Rugby, Royal Ascot, US Open golf and Queen’s Club

Sports fans are in for another packed weekend of live action, with GAA Championship fixtures, FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, rugby finals and semi-finals, Royal Ascot, US Open  and Queen’s Club tennis all available across TV and streaming platforms.

The weekend schedule includes major All-Ireland SFC and SHC fixtures, Tailteann Cup action, FIFA World Cup games live on RTÉ2, the Gallagher Premiership Rugby final, French Top 14 semi-finals, Royal Ascot on Virgin Media One and the Queen’s Club men’s singles final.

Friday 19 June

• 19:25 – Kildare v Tyrone, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4
• 19:30 – Leinster v Bulls – URC Final
• 20:00 – USA v Australia, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 20:05 – Toulouse v Racing 92, Top 14 Semi-Final – Premier Sports 2
• 23:00 – Scotland v Morocco, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 01:30 – Brazil v Haiti, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 04:00 – Turkey v Paraguay, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Saturday 20 June

• 09:45 – Adult Handball Semi-Finals – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 12:50 – Donegal v Mayo, Munster SFC Round 3 – TG4
• 12:55 – Tyrone v Meath, Leinster SFC Round 3 – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 14:00 – Barbarians v South Africa, Rugby Test Match – Premier Sports 2
• 14:45 – Armagh v Waterford, Ulster SFC Round 3 – TG4
• 14:55 – Tipperary v Kildare, Leinster SFC Round 3 – Spórt TG4 YouTube
• 15:00 – Down v Fermanagh, Tailteann Cup – RTÉ2
• 15:00 – Northampton v Exeter Chiefs, Gallagher Premiership Final – ITV4 / TNT Sports 1
• 15:45 – Cork v Derry, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4 Player
• 16:00 – Kerry v Armagh, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 17:00 – Offaly v Wicklow, Tailteann Cup – RTÉ News
• 17:00 – South Africa v AUNZ Invitational XV, Rugby Test Match – Premier Sports 2
• 18:00 – Netherlands v Sweden, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 18:15 – Mayo v Meath, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 19:00 – Clare v Dublin, All-Ireland SHC – RTÉ1 / GAA+
• 19:25 – Kildare v Tyrone, All-Ireland Minor Football Semi-Final – TG4
• 20:05 – Montpellier v Stade Français, Top 14 Semi-Final – Premier Sports 1
• 21:00 – Germany v Ivory Coast, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 01:00 – Ecuador v Curaçao, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 05:00 – Tunisia v Japan, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Sunday 21 June

• 13:15 – Dublin v Donegal, All-Ireland SFC – RTÉ1
• 13:20 – Queen’s Club Men’s Singles Final – BBC One Northern Ireland HD
• 15:30 – Cork v Offaly, All-Ireland SHC – RTÉ1 / GAA+
• 16:00 – Monaghan v Westmeath, All-Ireland SFC – GAA+
• 17:00 – Spain v Saudi Arabia, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• All day – US Open Golf
• 20:00 – Belgium v Iran, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 23:00 – Uruguay v Cape Verde, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2
• 02:00 – New Zealand v Egypt, FIFA World Cup 2026 – RTÉ2

Royal Ascot Live on Virgin Media One

Royal Ascot continues from Wednesday to Saturday, with live coverage each day from 1:30pm to 6:30pm on Virgin Media One.

FIFA World Cup 2026 on RTÉ2

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues throughout the weekend, with all listed matches live on RTÉ2. Key fixtures include USA v Australia, Scotland v Morocco, Brazil v Haiti, Netherlands v Sweden, Germany v Ivory Coast, Spain v Saudi Arabia and Belgium v Iran.

Weekend Highlights

• Dublin v Donegal in the All-Ireland SFC
• Clare v Dublin and Cork v Offaly in the All-Ireland SHC
• Northampton v Exeter Chiefs in the Gallagher Premiership Final
• Toulouse v Racing 92 and Montpellier v Stade Français in the Top 14 semi-finals
• Queen’s Club Men’s Singles Final
• Royal Ascot live on Virgin Media One
• FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live on RTÉ2

SportsNewsIreland.com will continue to provide live sport listings, fixtures, previews, TV information and match coverage throughout the weekend.

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The BKT United Rugby Championship reaches its climax on Friday night as Leinster Rugby face the Vodacom Bulls at Croke Park in a repeat of last season’s Grand Final.

Kick-off is at 7.30pm, with the match live on Premier Sports 1.

For Leinster, this is another chance to underline their domestic dominance and retain the URC crown. For the Bulls, now under Johan Ackermann, it is an opportunity to finally end their URC final heartbreak after three previous defeats on the biggest stage.

Leinster Team News: Porter Ruled Out,There are three changes to the starting XV from the semi-final win over DHL Stormers, with two switches in the front row and one in the backline.

Tadhg Furlong and Jerry Cahir come into the side with Rónan Kelleher at hooker, while James Ryan and Joe McCarthy continue their partnership in the second row.

Caelan Doris captains the side from number eight once more as Josh van der Flier and Max Deegan complete an unchanged back row.

Tommy O’Brien — who was named Nissan Supporters’ Player of the Year and Bank of Ireland Men’s Player’s Player of the Year as well as picking up the Optimum Nutrition Tackle of the Year prize at the Leinster Rugby Awards Ball — returns on the wing with James Lowe on the opposite side and Hugo Keenan at full-back.

Rieko Ioane and Jamie Osborne continue in the centres while Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast renew their half-back partnership once more.

Dan Sheehan returns to the matchday 23 as he takes his spot among the replacements alongside fellow front rows Alex Usanov and Thomas Clarkson. Diarmuid Mangan and Jack Conan round off the forward cover, with Luke McGrath, Harry Byrne and Garry Ringrose once more providing the reinforcements for the backs.

Leinster Rugby (caps in brackets):
15. Hugo Keenan (85)
14. Tommy O’Brien (61)
13. Rieko Ioane (17)
12. Jamie Osborne (76)
11. James Lowe (101)
10. Sam Prendergast (51)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (173)

1. Jerry Cahir (15)
2. Rónan Kelleher (94)
3. Tadhg Furlong (166)
4. Joe McCarthy (65)
5. James Ryan (111)
6. Max Deegan (160)
7. Josh van der Flier (175)
8. Caelan Doris (108) CAPTAIN

Replacements:
16. Dan Sheehan (88)
17. Alex Usanov (9)
18. Thomas Clarkson (79)
19. Diarmuid Mangan (30)
20. Jack Conan (179)
21. Luke McGrath (256)
22. Harry Byrne (93)
23. Garry Ringrose (150)

Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR).Recent Form

Leinster URC Form

• 17 April 2026: Leinster 29-21 Ulster
• 25 April 2026: Benetton Rugby 29-26 Leinster
• 09 May 2026: Leinster 31-7 Lions
• 16 May 2026: Leinster 68-14 Ospreys
• 30 May 2026: Leinster 59-10 Lions
• 06 June 2026: Leinster 20-11 Stormers

Leinster have won five of their last six URC fixtures, scoring 233 points and conceding just 92. That gives them an average of 38.8 points scored per game and only 15.3 conceded.

Their only defeat in their last six first-team matches was the 41-19 Investec Champions Cup Final defeat to Bordeaux-Bègles.

Vodacom Bulls URC Form

• 17 April 2026: Bulls 47-7 Dragons
• 25 April 2026: Bulls 23-21 Scarlets
• 09 May 2026: Bulls 54-19 Zebre Parma
• 16 May 2026: Bulls 45-19 Benetton Rugby
• 30 May 2026: Bulls 45-14 Munster
• 06 June 2026: Bulls 22-21 Glasgow Warriors

The Bulls arrive in Dublin in outstanding form. They have won their last eight URC fixtures since losing to the DHL Stormers in March.

Across their last six games, the Pretoria side have scored 236 points and conceded 101, averaging 39.3 points per game.

History Beckons At Croke Park

This will be Leinster’s 13th BKT United Rugby Championship Grand Final. Their record currently stands at eight wins and four defeats.

Their only defeat in their last eight final appearances came against Connacht at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in 2016, when they lost 20-10.

Leinster’s 32-7 victory over the Bulls in last season’s Grand Final remains the largest winning margin in a URC Grand Final.

Croke Park has also been a significant venue for Leinster. They have played six previous matches at GAA headquarters, including last season’s final. Their only defeat at the venue came in their most recent visit, a 31-14 loss to Munster in Round 4.

Bulls Chasing First URC Title

This will be the Vodacom Bulls’ fourth Grand Final appearance across the five URC seasons.

They are still chasing their first title, having lost to the Stormers in 2022, Glasgow Warriors in 2024 and Leinster twelve months ago.

However, the Bulls do have serious pedigree in finals. They won all three of their Super Rugby Finals in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

The Bulls have also shown they can travel to Ireland and win. They have visited Ireland on 12 occasions, winning four times. No other South African team has managed more than two victories in Ireland.

Recent Meetings

• 22 April 2023: Bulls 62-7 Leinster
• 29 March 2024: Leinster 47-14 Bulls
• 15 June 2024: Bulls 25-20 Leinster
• 22 March 2025: Bulls 21-20 Leinster
• 14 June 2025: Leinster 32-7 Bulls
• 04 October 2025: Bulls 39-31 Leinster

The last six meetings are split evenly at three wins each.

The two sides have met in three previous URC play-off fixtures, with the Bulls holding a 2-1 advantage thanks to semi-final victories in 2022 and 2024. Leinster, however, won the biggest meeting of all when they defeated the Bulls in last season’s Grand Final.

The Forward Battle Could Decide Everything

Former Springbok captain Victor Matfield believes the Bulls must attack Leinster physically if they are to win the final.

His view is that the Bulls should lean heavily on their scrum and driving maul rather than getting drawn into a loose kicking contest. Bordeaux-Bègles caused Leinster serious problems through forward dominance in the Champions Cup Final, and the Bulls have the pack to attempt something similar.

With Porter unavailable this is the area where Johan Ackermann’s side will surely look to squeeze Leinster.

If the Bulls can win scrum penalties, maul effectively between the two 10-metre lines and force Leinster to defend repeated heavy carries, they have a real route to victory.

Will The Bulls Target Sam Prendergast?

One of the most fascinating tactical questions surrounds Sam Prendergast.

There is no doubt about his attacking talent. His passing range, vision and kicking game have helped Leinster reach another URC Final, and with Ciarán Frawley set to join Connacht, Leinster appear to have committed to Prendergast as their long-term first-choice number ten, with Harry Byrne providing cover from the bench.

However, his defence remains a talking point.

Prendergast did not make Leinster’s matchday 23 for the Champions Cup Final defeat to Bordeaux-Bègles, which led many to question whether the coaching staff had concerns about the physical challenge in that game.

Expect the Bulls to test him.

Handré Pollard is one of the best tactical kickers in world rugby and will look to put Prendergast under pressure positionally. More importantly, powerful Bulls carriers such as Cameron Hanekom, Marcell Coetzee, Harold Vorster and David Kriel are likely to attack the Leinster number ten channel whenever possible.

If Prendergast can stand up defensively and still control the game with his boot and passing, it could become a defining performance in his young career. If the Bulls consistently expose that channel, it may become one of the major storylines of the final.

Nacewa Praises Nienaber’s Defensive Impact

Former Leinster great Isa Nacewa has praised the influence of senior coach Jacques Nienaber and the evolution of Leinster’s defence.

Nacewa compared the current system to the Stuart Lancaster era, noting the width, spacing, decision-making at rucks, line speed and aggressive front-line pressure.

That defensive system will be tested severely by a Bulls side averaging almost 40 points per game across their last six URC fixtures.

Key Players

Leinster

Jamison Gibson-Park – Leinster’s tempo-setter and one of the best scrum-halves in the world.

Sam Prendergast – His attacking quality is obvious, but the Bulls will almost certainly test him defensively.

James Lowe – A proven big-game performer capable of changing matches with a single touch. This will be his final game for Leinster, giving him one last chance to sign off with silverware.

Josh van der Flier – His breakdown work and defensive engine will be vital against a powerful Bulls pack.

Vodacom Bulls

Handré Pollard – A World Cup-winning out-half and the Bulls’ leading points scorer with 127 points.

Embrose Papier – Dangerous around the fringes and the Bulls’ top try scorer with 12 tries.

Cameron Hanekom – One of the most exciting young forwards in South African rugby.

Wilco Louw – A major scrum weapon who could become even more influential with Porter absent.

Top Scorers

Leinster

• Josh Kenny – 9 tries
• Scott Penny – 6 tries
• Jimmy O’Brien – 5 tries
• Tommy O’Brien – 5 tries

Vodacom Bulls

• Embrose Papier – 12 tries
• Johan Grobbelaar – 10 tries
• Cheswill Jooste – 5 tries
• Harold Vorster – 5 tries
• Marcell Coetzee – 5 tries
• Willie le Roux – 5 tries

Betting Odds

The bookmakers have Leinster as favourites, but the market suggests a much tighter contest than last season’s one-sided Grand Final.

Match Odds

• Leinster: 4/9
• Draw: 19/1
• Vodacom Bulls: 7/4

Handicap Betting

• Leinster -5: 10/11
• Draw -5: 20/1
• Bulls +5: 10/11

The five-point handicap reflects how close this contest could be. Leinster’s home advantage, finals experience and defensive system make them deserved favourites, but the Bulls’ physicality, set-piece power and eight-match winning run make them dangerous outsiders.

Best Bet: Leinster to win by 1-12 points.

Prediction

This has all the ingredients of a classic final.

Leinster have the experience, the home advantage and the defensive structure to retain their title. The Bulls have the power, momentum and tactical route to cause serious problems, particularly through the scrum, maul and the Prendergast defensive channel.

If Doris and Sheehan are passed fit, Leinster should have enough balance to withstand the Bulls’ physical assault. If either misses out, the game becomes much more dangerous for Leo Cullen’s side.

The Bulls should make this far closer than last season, but Leinster’s big-game control, Gibson-Park’s tempo and the emotional edge of James Lowe’s final appearance may just get them over the line.

Predicted Score: Leinster 26-22 Vodacom Bulls

Expect a fierce, physical and tactical final decided by fine margins, with the battle up front and the pressure on Sam Prendergast likely to determine who lifts the URC trophy at Croke Park.

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