When Leinster run out at Croke Park for the 2026 Vodacom URC final, few players will feel the weight of expectation more heavily than captain Caelan Doris.
The Ireland No 8 has become the face of a Leinster side that has dominated much of the northern hemisphere game – yet repeatedly fallen agonisingly short of the greatest prize in club rugby.
Since lifting the Investec Champions Cup in 2017-18 to be crowned kings of Europe, the Irish giants have lost five finals, including the devastating loss to defending Bordeaux Bègles in the Bilbao final last month.
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As Leinster captain, Doris has shouldered much of that disappointment.
The 28-year-old was also the skipper when Leinster heartbreakingly lost the 2023-24 final 31-22 to Toulouse after extra-time.
After a shock Champions Cup semi-final loss to the Northampton Saints last year, Leinster salvaged their season when they won the URC for the first time, and Doris’ men will be looking to do the same again on Friday night.
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Doris is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier loose forwards, becoming a central cog in Leo Cullen’s Leinster machine. But the pressure is on the Irish side to deliver silverware or the noise around the team will reach deafening proportions.
Leinster beat the Bulls convincingly in last year’s final at the same venue. However, this year’s showpiece is under lights, and against a Bulls team who will look to exact revenge and inflict more cup final heartache on Doris & Co.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Friday Night Lights: The captain carrying Leinster’s burden appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
When Leinster run out at Croke Park for the 2026 Vodacom URC final, few players will feel the weight of expectation more heavily than captain Caelan Doris.
The post Friday Night Lights: The captain carrying Leinster’s burden appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
