Andrew Porter, Leinster’s front‑row stalwart, will miss the United Rugby Championship final after a calf pull saw him leave the semi‑final against the Stormers midway through the first half. The injury forces the team to shuffle its front row before the showdown at Croke Park, where the side is already nursing doubts over skipper Caelan Doris and hooker Dan Sheehan.

Leinster entered the decider looking to secure back‑to‑back titles after missing a fifth Champions Cup triumph in May. Long‑term absences include Ryan Baird, Jack Boyle, Will Connors, Hugh Cooney, RG Snyman, Charlie Tector and Paddy McCarthy, all of whom will miss the finale. The Bulls, who have lost three of four recent finals, seek their first URC crown in 2024.

With key players sidelined, Leinster’s chances hinge on depth and tactical discipline. The match repeats last season’s 32‑7 victory, a benchmark the Bulls aim to overturn. A win would cement Leinster’s dominance in the competition, while a loss would leave the Bulls still chasing their maiden URC title for the 2024 season in Europe and global scrutiny, and ambition today.