Leinster second row Ryan Baird revelled in taking his side back to the top of their domestic league after a tough few years for the province.
Player of the match Baird said: “It’s quite surreal. It has been a long time coming to win a trophy with this team in front of a big crowd.
“Last time we won a trophy was during Covid. When the whistle went, I took a moment and thought ‘let’s go’.
“I found it tough this week, I felt the pressure, I think a lot of us did, but every time I saw someone else made a tackle it gave me the energy to do so, I’m so proud of everyone to be able to shake their hands and to know we did it.”
Jack Conan also produced an outstanding performance and added: “Definitely feeling a bit of relief, just so delighted for everyone who has put in so much work the last few years.
“I’m glad we showed up and performed and were able to silence a few critics.”
Teams
LEINSTER: J O’Brien 7, T O’Brien 6, Ringrose 6 (Osborne 74), Barrett 8, Lowe 7, Prendergast 6 (Byrne 68, 6), McGrath (Gunne 68, 7.5), Porter 6 (Boyle 74), Sheehan 7 (Kelleher 55, 6), Clarkson 7.5 (Slimani 55, 6), McCarthy 7, Ryan 7 (Snyman 41, 7), Baird 9, van der Flier 8, Conan (c) 8 (Deegan 74)
BULLS: Le Roux 5, Moodie 5, Kriel 6, Vorster 4, de Klerk 4 (Williams 65, 5), Goosen 6 (Johannes 67, 5), Papier 4 (Burger 70); Wessels 5 (Tshakweni 51, 5), Grobbelaar 5 (van der Merwe 44, 7), Louw 5 (Smith 64, 5), Wiese 5.5 (Kirsten 35, 6.5), van Heerden 6, van Staden 7, Nortje (c) 6, Coetzee 5.5 (Carr 64, 6)
REFEREE: Andrea Piardi
ATTENDANCE: 46,127
Star Player: Ryan Baird – Leinster
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