Luke McGrath aiming to end Leinster career with silverware

Michael Bolton

Having lifted several trophies with Leinster, scrum-half Luke McGrath is hoping to end his Leinster career with two more.

The 33-year-old will depart the province for the French side Perpignan in the summer, bringing an end to a hugely successful time with Leinster.

Having made over 250 appearances for Leinster, McGrath has won a Champions Cup and seven URC titles.

With two regular URC games left, and a Champions Cup final against Bordeaux, McGrath is taking in every moment.

As Leinster booked their place in another Champions Cup final, McGrath was not involved in the semi-final win over Toulon, but knows how difficult it can be to get over the line.

"Last year was an extremely tough way to lose. You know how hard these games are to win.

"I would say definitely with age, you appreciate it a lot more. I am moving on at the end of the year as well, so I am just trying to enjoy every moment as it comes."

The last time Leinster won the Champions Cup was in 2018, when the final was also in Bilbao.

McGrath started the final, which Leinster won against Racing 92. Since then, Leinster have lost four finals, including three in a row between 2022 and 2024.

The feeling of that day has never left McGrath, in what was a special year for the province.

"I remember that day in 2018 very well. It was an unbelievable season for the club.

"We haven't done it since. We have had some really tough days since then with the final losses. Hopefully, those tough days will drive us on to go one step further this year.

"We know how tough Bordeaux are, they are an unbelievable team. We know we will be up against it, but we are massively excited."

Right now, the focus for Leinster is on the URC, with the Lions the visitors to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, who are ahead of Leinster on points difference in the table.

Wins in their final two games would put Leinster in position for a home knockout tie to retain their URC title, as McGrath insists they cannot look past the South African side.

"It completely narrows the focus. We know the threats the Lions pose; they are ahead of us in the league at the moment.

"They are a great team to watch, they are in great form, they play a great style of rugby, and they are really good on turnover attacks."