For the first time in United Rugby Championship history, the same two teams will meet in back-to-back Grand Finals. Leinster and the Bulls will face off again this Friday, 19 June, at Croke Park in Dublin. Kick-off is at 20:30, live on SuperSport.

The Bulls are coming off a dramatic semi-final where they came back from 21-3 down to win. Veteran Willie le Roux said the mood in camp is pure excitement. "We showed great character in the semi-final," he said on Sunday. "The guys are very excited to play against a quality outfit in Leinster."

This is the fourth knockout clash between these two sides since 2022. The Bulls have won two semi-finals (2022 and 2024), while Leinster took last year's Grand Final. In total, the Bulls lead Leinster 5-3 in all URC meetings, making them one of only two teams with a winning record against the Irish giants. The Stormers are the other, holding a 3-2-1 record.

Leinster have the best Irish record against South African teams, with 15 wins out of 26 (57.7%). The Bulls are the only South African side above 50% against Irish opposition, winning 15 of 24 meetings (62.5%).

Both teams are the strongest away performers in the URC era. Leinster have the best away win rate, and the Bulls are the only other team above 50% on the road. At home, Leinster's win percentage is 88.5%, second only to Glasgow's 91.7%.

Le Roux knows the challenge ahead. "They've got incredible players in the backline, and we as a squad, as a team and as the backs – we're looking forward to and are up for that challenge," he said. "It's still a final and you know how finals go these days. We'll have to wait and see how the entertainment goes on Friday night. You can't only rely on the forwards – it's a 23-man game so everyone's got a job to do and you've just got to deliver to the best of your ability."

  • First back-to-back Grand Final pairing in URC history
  • Bulls lead Leinster 5-3 in all URC meetings
  • Bulls have two playoff wins (2022, 2024 SF) to Leinster's one (2025 GF)
  • Leinster have best Irish record vs SA teams (57.7% wins)
  • Bulls have best SA record vs Irish teams (62.5% wins)
  • Leinster's home win rate: 88.5% (second best in URC era)
  • Both teams have best away win rates in the league

Friday's final promises to be a tight contest between two sides who know each other well. The Bulls will be looking to avenge last year's loss, while Leinster aim to defend their title on home soil.