Lions Tour: Keenan & Furlong Miss URC Final
Tadhg Furlong and Hugo Keenan are out: Leinster’s URC final hopes face a significant challenge as they prepare to clash with the Bulls. Calf injuries have sidelined these key british and Irish Lions players, shaking up Leinster’s quest for their first United Rugby Championship title since 2021. While the absence of Furlong and Keenan is a blow, the return of Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier bolsters the team.The final at Croke Park takes on added importance before the Irish national team’s tour of Australia. leinster and the Bulls are ready for battle with Leinster eyeing its ninth URC title. For the latest updates and insights, News Directory 3 provides extensive coverage. Discover what’s next as Leinster battles for victory.
Leinster’s URC Final Hopes Dented by Furlong,Keenan injuries
Updated June 12,2025
Leinster will face the Bulls in the United Rugby championship (URC) final without key players Tadhg Furlong and Hugo Keenan. Both British and Irish Lions are sidelined with calf injuries, impacting Leinster’s chances for a first URC title since 2021.
Despite these setbacks,Garry ringrose and Josh van der Flier are set to start after recovering from their respective injuries. The final at Croke Park precedes the Irish national team’s tour of Australia,adding extra significance to the match.
Furlong, 32, has endured an injury-plagued season, with his last appearance on May 3 in the Champions Cup semi-final loss to Northampton. Keenan, 29, played in the URC quarter-final against Scarlets on May 31 but subsequently missed the semi-final.
Van der Flier returns after a hamstring injury sustained against Scarlets, while Ringrose will play his first game since May 10. Leinster coach Leo Cullen has made only two changes following last week’s semi-final victory, resulting in 10 Lions players featuring in Dublin.
James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, andrew Porter, dan Sheehan, Joe McCarthy, James ryan, and Jack Conan are all in the starting lineup, with Ronan Kelleher on the bench.
The Bulls have made one change to their lineup, with Marco van Standen replacing the injured Cameron Hanekom. Marcell Coetzee shifts to number eight.
Leinster aims for their ninth URC victory, while the Bulls seek their first title after losing two previous finals.
What’s next
Leinster will need to overcome the absence of Furlong and Keenan to secure the URC title against a steadfast Bulls side. The match serves as a crucial test before the Irish national team’s tour of australia.