+34Province returned to the newly refurbished RDS for a test event.
Leinster 56 Zebre Parma 12 LEINSTER RETURNED TO the newly refurbished RDS in style this afternoon. The eastern province scored eight tries at the rebranded Laya Arena in a pre-season, 56-12 friendly win against Zebre.
Fintan Gunne celebrates getting Leinster's second try. Grace Halton / INPHO Grace Halton / INPHO / INPHO The game was a chance for some of Leinster’s younger squad members to impress. Fintan Gunne scored two tries, while Niall Smyth, Gus McCarthy, Josh Ericson, Cormac Foley, Josh Neill and Alan Spicer also crossed the line for Leinster. Simone Gesi crossed for Zebre.
Hugo McLaughlin with fans afterwards. Grace Halton / INPHO Grace Halton / INPHO / INPHO Today’s fixture was a test event at the RDS, with Leinster’s first home game of the new season coming against Cardiff on 10 October. Capacity at the redeveloped ground is now 20,600, up from 18,500. Advertisement A view of the ground before the game.
Eoin Burke / INPHO Eoin Burke / INPHO / INPHO It will be a slow bedding in process, as Leinster won’t then return to the Laya until 19 December, with home games against Munster and Sale Sharks expected to be played in the Aviva. Scorers: Leinster: F Gunne 2 tries; N Smyth, G McCarthy, J Ericson, C Foley, J Neill, A Spicer try each; C Gabriel 7 cons; C Tector con.
Zebre: S Gesi 2 tries; G Montemauri con. Leinster 15. Todd Lawlor 14. Ciarán Mangan 13.
Hugh Cooney 12. Charlie Tector 11. Andrew Osborne 10. Caspar Gabriel 9.
Fintan Gunne 1. Alex Usanov 2. Gus McCarthy 3. Niall Smyth 4.
Conor O’Tighearnaigh 5. Brian Deeny 6. Max Deegan 7. Scott Penny 8.
Josh Ericson Replacements: Alex Mullan for N Smyth ; Stephen Smyth for McCarthy, Peter Dooley for Usanov, Ryan Baird for Deeny, Oliver Coffey for Gunne, Cormac Foley for Gabriel ; Alex Soroka for Ericson, Josh Neill for Penny ; Jack Deegan for Cooney, Hugo McLaughlin for Gunne, Dylan McNeice for O’Tighearnaigh, Charlie Molony for Lawlor ; Andrew Sparrow for Mullan, Alan Spicer for Deegan ; C Gabriel for Tector, A Osborne for Mangan both ; J Ericson for Neill .
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Leinster coach Cullen inspires team with Mayo's triumphLeinster Rugby's head coach, Leo Cullen, drew inspiration from Mayo's 2023 All-Ireland football victory to motivate his team ahead of the new season. After a disappointing European loss last year, Cullen reminded his players that persistence and resilience are key, even in the face of repeated setbacks.
Read more »
Preseason friendly: Leinster 56 Zebre 12Leinster showcased their strength in a commanding 56-12 victory over Zebre in a preseason friendly at the RDS, with rising stars like Josh Ericson and Fintan Gunne making significant impacts. The match served as a successful dry-run for the upcoming URC season and the official opening of the new Anglesea Road stand.
Read more »
Faster, more attack-minded game expected in 2023 as speed wins out over defenceAs the rugby world heads into a World Cup year, coaches and analysts predict a shift towards faster, more attack-minded play. The trend of minimizing time in the breakdown and maximizing offloading speed, exemplified by Bordeaux Bègles' victory over Leinster, suggests that teams will prioritize quick decision-making and minimal rucking to outpace defending systems.
Read more »
FAI forced to play Israel in Serbia behind closed doors as RTÉ scales back coverageThe FAI were given only Serbian venues by Uefa for the home Nations League fixture against Israel, ultimately choosing the TSC Arena in Bačka Topola. RTÉ will drastically reduce its coverage of the games, with no studio or commentary, as SIPTU welcomes the move.
Read more »