Injury Woes for Leinster as Tommy O'Brien Faces Fitness Test Ahead of Champions Cup Final
Leinster wing Tommy O'Brien emerges as an injury concern ahead of Saturday's Investec Champions Cup final against Bordeaux-Begles at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao (14:45 BST). The 27-year-old international will undergo further assessments after he withdrew from the matchday squad during the impressive 68-14 United Rugby Championship victory over Ospreys at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday. O'Brien suffered a knock in training, with a final decision on his fitness expected later this week. In addition to O'Brien, teammates Brian Deeny, Joshua Kenny, and Paddy McCarthy are also under scrutiny, as their availability remains uncertain as well. Unfortunately, centre Hugh Cooney has sustained an injury during the match against Ospreys and is ruled out for the remainder of the season. Leinster aims to clinch their fifth European title, a feat they last achieved eight years ago. They face the defending champions, looking to overcome a history of near misses in finals, having lost four since their last triumph in 2018: 2019: Lost to Saracens 2022: Lost to La Rochelle 2023: Lost to La Rochelle 2024: Lost to Toulouse As the anticipation builds for the final, Leinster's injury situation remains a key storyline.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-18