Portugal Colonial - Leinster's Lowe misses out on Champions Cup final selection

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Leinster's Lowe misses out on Champions Cup final selection / Photo: Paul Faith - AFP/File

Leinster's Lowe misses out on Champions Cup final selection

SPORTS 22.05.2026

Ireland winger James Lowe has been omitted from Leinster's team for this weekend's Champions Cup final with holders Bordeaux-Begles, tournament organisers announced on Friday.

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Last weekend, Lowe returned from almost three months out with a groin injury.

The 33-year-old's place on the left flank was taken by New Zealand's Rieko Ioane, who was rested for last Saturday's United Rugby Championship win over the Ospreys.

With Lowe's absence, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has kept the same starting team from the semi-final victory over Toulon on May 2.

There are no major surprises in Bordeaux-Begles' side with Yannick Bru making one change from the last four triumph over Bath earlier this month.

Experienced prop Jefferson Poirot replaces Matis Perchaud having been suspended for the game against the English Prem holders.

Teams

Leinster (IRL)

Hugo Keenan; Tommy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Rieko Ioane; Harry Byrne, Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris (capt), Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan; James Ryan, Joe McCarthy; Tom Clarkson, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Tadhg Furlong, Diarmuid Mangan, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Ciaran Frawley, Jamie Osborne

Coach: Leo Cullen (IRL)

Bordeaux-Begles (FRA)

Salesi Rayasi; Pablo Uberti, Damian Penaud, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Matthieu Jalibert, Maxime Lucu (capt); Marko Gazzotti, Cameron Woki, Pierre Bochaton; Adam Coleman, Boris Palu; Carlu Sadie, Maxime Lamothe, Jefferson Poirot

Replacements: Gaetan Barlot, Ugo Boniface, Ben Tameifuna, Lachie Swinton, Temo Matiu, Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, Arthur Retiere, Hugo Reus

Coach: Yannick Bru (FRA)

Referee: Karl Dickson (ENG)

A.Seabra--PC

Portugal Colonial - Leinster's Lowe misses out on Champions Cup final selection

Leinster's Lowe misses out on Champions Cup final selection

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