The United Rugby Championship season is fast approaching and reigning champions Glasgow Warriors begin their campaign against Ulster in Belfast on Saturday night. Head coach Franco Smith's side defeated the Bulls 21-16 in the final on route to the title in June. Outright favourites Leinster will hope to begin with a victory as they head to Edinburgh on Friday night.
From a Leinster perspective the lack of a trophy since the 2021 URC victory is slightly concerning especially given the embarrassment of riches the Dublin-based province have. This year has seen a huge recruitment drive in the capital with Jordie Barrett, RG Snyman and Rabah Slimani all coming in for theo upcoming season.
Historically, the URC has been dominated by Irish teams, having secured 14 titles, while Welsh sides have taken six. Meanwhile, Scottish and South African teams have won one tournament each. An Italian team is yet to win the URC.
Which fixture are you eyeing up, Irish fans? ☘️
#BKTURC #URC— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) September 12, 2024
Despite convincingly defeating the Bulls 47-14 earlier in the season, it was the South Africans that ultimately progressed from the semi-final with Leo Cullen's Leinster.
Even more concerning are Leinster's three successive defeats in the Champions Cup final to French opposition. Despite seemingly dominating the continent, they are unable to get over the line when it matters most.
But the defeats don't seem to worry everyone..
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'Very Funny' Schofield See's The Funny Side Of Leinster's Recent Lack Of Trophies
The Daily Telegraph's rugby correspondent Daniel Schofield seems to be enjoying the province's poor run in finals, as he goes through his '‘nine wishes for the rugby season ahead' he can't help but aim a dig at the Blues.
I have nothing against Leinster. Fine team, fine players, fine supporters.
However, after three successive defeats in the Champions Cup final as well as the United Rugby Championship play-offs, it would be objectively very funny if they went undefeated all season only to lose in both the Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship finals.
With All Black star Jordie Barrett joining this season on a short-term contract, there are many people that agree with Schofield's lack of sympathy for the four time European champions.
SEE ALSO: Ulster Head Coach Laments "Disruptive" Influence Of Emerging Ireland Tour To South Africa
