Leinster Lions are one of four provincial rugby football teams in Ireland, based on the historic Irish province of Leinster. (Ulster, Munster and Connacht are the others.)

Leinster were formed in 1875. In amateur days the four provinces played against each other in the Inter-provincial Championship and also played touring sides (usually midweek). When rugby union was declared 'open', these four teams became the four professional teams ran by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

The Leinster ‘Lions’ came into existence during the 2001/02 season as the result of a joint marketing initiative between Leinster Rugby and its kit sponsors, the Canterbury Clothing Company (CCC), but before the start of the 2004/05 season it was decided to drop the 'Lions' from the name.

Leinster historically played in Donnybrook, in Dublin city's south side, and have development plans to build a new 12,500 capacity stadium - up from its existing 7,500. They are now playing home games at the Republic's national stadium, Lansdowne Road.

The amateur Leinster sides previously played in a plain navy jersey with white shorts and navy socks. The Leinster Harp is an ever-present on the jersey.

Famous players

• Felipe Contepomi
• Gordon D'Arcy
• Brian O'Driscoll
• Malcolm O'Kelly

Club honours

Celtic League

Leinster were the inaugural Celtic League Champions (01/02).

Irish Inter-Provincial Championship

Leinster were Guinness Inter-provincial Champions in 2002. They have won the Irish Inter-provincial Championship 22 times, three times as professionals.

Heineken Cup

Leinster reached the Heineken Cup semi-final in 1995/96 and the quarter-finals in 2001/02.

In 2002/03, they became only the third team in the history of the competition to win all their games in pool play. They also went one step further in the playoffs than the previous season by reaching the semis, but lost at home against French side Perpignan.

The 2004/05 Leinster team also won all of their games in pool play, and are again considered among the favorites for the title.

See also

• Celtic League
• Heineken Cup
• European Rugby Shield

External links

• Official site