Leinster Rugby will return to Croke Park for their highly anticipated Investec Champions Cup last-16 encounter against Harlequins on Saturday, April 5. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM and will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player.
Leinster Secures Home Advantage
Leinster’s dominant 47-21 victory over Bath in the final pool game ensured their spot as second seeds in the Champions Cup knockout stages. Their impressive performance also secured home advantage for the remainder of their campaign.
Harlequins, seeded 15th after finishing fourth in Pool 4, will travel to Dublin for the clash. The Twickenham-based side narrowly edged out Ulster to avoid the lowest seeding in the competition.
Croke Park: A Familiar Venue for Leinster
Leinster are no strangers to Croke Park, having played there last October in an inter-provincial showdown against Munster. The Dublin venue also hosted their European semi-final victory over Northampton Saints last May.
Head coach Leo Cullen will be looking to leverage the familiarity of the iconic GAA headquarters to propel his team deeper into the competition.
Irish Representation in the Knockouts
Leinster is not the only Irish province in the last 16. Munster and Ulster have also qualified and face challenging ties. Munster will take on Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle, while Ulster is set to face Bordeaux Begles.
This marks a significant showing for Irish rugby, with three provinces advancing to the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
Broadcast and Fan Anticipation
The decision to host the match at Croke Park is expected to draw a large crowd, with fans eager to see Leinster in action on home soil. The game will also garner significant viewership, with national broadcaster RTÉ covering the match live.
A Test of Strength for Leinster
Leinster will aim to capitalize on their strong form and home advantage as they face Harlequins, who will be looking to pull off an upset in Dublin. With the stakes higher than ever, both teams are set to deliver a thrilling contest in their pursuit of Champions Cup glory.
The match promises to be a spectacle, showcasing the best of European club rugby at one of Ireland’s most renowned sporting venues.