Leinster claimed their first Vodacom URC title at the fourth attempt with a commanding 32-7 victory over the Bulls in the 2024-25 final at Croke Park.
The Irish giants topped the league table before beating the Scarlets 33-21 and defending champions the Glasgow Warriors 37-19 in Dublin.
The Bulls finished second and reached a third final in four seasons after overcoming Edinburgh 42-33 and the Sharks 25-13 at Loftus.
HANDRÉ: Bulls must control emotion
A crowd of 46,127 watched the decider at the 82,000-capacity Croke Park,
Backed by a defence masterminded by former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and with Bok lock RG Snyman in the pack, Leinster dominated from the outset and raced into a 19-0 half-time lead.
Captain Jack Conan opened the scoring from a lineout maul before All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett chased down his own kick to score. Flanker Josh van der Flier added a third try, while Sam Prendergast controlled proceedings from flyhalf.
RASSIE: Bulls success a boost for Boks
The Bulls enjoyed periods of pressure but were unable to break through Leinster’s resolute defence, even after spending extended spells in the hosts’ 22.
Prendergast stretched the lead with a penalty before replacement hooker Akker van der Merwe scored from a driving maul to give the Bulls brief hope.
Leinster quickly regained control, however, with Prendergast adding another penalty before replacement scrumhalf Fintan Gunne crossed late to complete a four-tries-to-one victory and secure Leinster’s long-awaited URC crown.
Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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