Leinster get a Champions welcome from ecstatic fans
THE Leinster rugby team received a hero’s welcome as they brought the Champions Cup trophy to Energia Park yesterday, following their 15-12 defeat of French side Racing 92 in Bilbao on Saturday.
Around 4,000 supporters soaked up the sun in Donnybrook to greet head coach Leo Cullen and his players, who arrived back into Dublin early yesterday morning.
Big screens were installed so supporters could re-watch the historic final as Leinster became only the second team to win four European Cups, matching the record set by French side Toulouse. The Blues previously won in 2009, 2011 and 2012.
When the team then took to the stage at 4pm, captain Isa Nacewa – who kicked the final two penalties to help Leinster see off the Parisians at the San Mamés Stadium – received a huge chorus of ‘one more year’ as he addressed the crowd. The New Zealander is due to retire at the end of season.
However, the largest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for Wexford native Tadhg Furlong, who joined Johnny Sexton at the front of the stage before demonstrating his version of the ‘floss dance’, which has recently gone viral across social media.
Cullen, who became the first coach to lift the trophy as both a player and a manager, praised the talents of his squad before they took the time to pose for photographs with supporters.
One of the most in-demand stars was former Australian international Scott Fardy, who has made a huge impact since signing for the province this season.
After ending a four-year trophy drought, Fardy said Leinster are well-placed to add even more silverware in the next few seasons.
They took time to pose for photos