Leinster Faces Challenge as Andrew Porter Misses URC Final Against Bulls

Ireland prop Andrew Porter has been ruled out of Leinster's United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls. Porter's absence comes after he was forced off during the first half of the semi-final victory over the Stormers and will not participate in the decider scheduled for Friday at Croke Park. In addition to Porter, Captain Caelan Doris and hooker Dan Sheehan are also injury concerns and will undergo assessments before the match. Doris sustained a knee injury during the win over the Stormers, while Sheehan missed the last-four tie due to his own injury issues. Porter had previously missed Ireland's Six Nations campaign due to a calf problem. With head coach Andy Farrell set to announce his squad for the July internationals on Wednesday, Ireland is preparing to face Australia, Japan, and New Zealand in their opening Nations Championship fixtures. Leo Cullen's Leinster aims to secure the URC title for the second consecutive year after falling short in their pursuit of a fifth Champions Cup title, losing to Bordeaux in May. Leinster will also be without several long-term absentees, including Ryan Baird, Jack Boyle, Will Connors, Hugh Cooney, RG Snyman, Charlie Tector, and Paddy McCarthy. This match is a repeat of last season's final, which Leinster won decisively with a score of 32-7. The Bulls are looking to break their streak of losses in the last four finals, aiming for their first URC title.

Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-15