Leinster 22 Toulouse 31 (after extra time) Hugo Keenan and Jamie Osborne of Leinster walk past the winner's podium after their side's defeat in the Investec Champions Cup final to Toulouse at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile The pain goes on. For the third consecutive season, Leinster fell at the last hurdle, as Toulouse inflicted yet more Champions Cup misery in dramatic fashion.
A final for the ages was decided in extra-time, as Leinster paid the ultimate price for an indisciplined spell that was ruthlessly punished by Toulouse, who claimed a record sixth title in a game that will stand the test of time. For Leinster, the wait for that elusive fifth star goes on, as Leo Cullen’s men were left to rue a host of uncharacteristic handling errors. In that regard, the review will not make for pleasant viewing.
James Lowe will regret sticking his arm out in the early stages of extra-time, as Toulouse scored 10 points with the winger in the bin. Richie Arnold’s red card gave Leinster hope of mounting a late comeback, and although Josh van der Flier cancelled out Matthis Lebel’s try, further penalty concessions allowed Thomas Ramos to come off the bench and kick Toulouse to victory. As the final whistle sounded at a heaving Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Cullen briefly stood alone on the touchline and looked to the sky.
The Leinster head coach must have wondered what more his side have to do to get over what has become a major m.
