Leinster v Toulouse to clash for first time in Champions Cup final in battle of the Euro aristocrats
The competition's top two in terms of trophies won will collide at the Tottenham Stadium after dismissing English opposition in the semi-finals
It will be the first-ever final meeting of European club rugby's aristocrats at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, May 25.
Leinster, who have won the Champions Cup on four occasions, will take on five time winners Toulouse on the competition's blue riband occasion.
The clubs have met on 13 previous occasions in Europe, with Leinster holding a seven-six advantage in terms of wins.
READ MORE: Leinster players celebrate win over Northampton with family and fans at Croke Park
The Blues have won the last three meetings - and cantered to victory in their last encounter, a 40-17 triumph in the Aviva Stadium semi-final in 2022.
But Toulouse, currently second in the Top 14 standings behind Stade Francais, are a serious proposition again in Europe.
Leinster booked their place in this season's decider at Croke Park on Saturday night with a 20-17 victory over Northampton Saints, with winger James Lowe scoring a hat-trick.
Toulouse followed suit on Sunday afternoon. Similarly to Leinster, they raced into a half-time lead - star man Antoine Dupont scored two of their five tries in a magnificent first half display.
But just as Northampton did almost 24 hours earlier against Leinster, Toulouse's opponents Harlequins came storming back in the second half to get back to within five points of their French rivals.
However a 66th minute yellow card for Quins' Jack Walker was quickly followed by Juan Cruz Mallia's converted try and Toulouse had the cushion they hoped for to secure victory at the Stadium de Toulouse. They ran out 38-26 winners.
Leo Cullen's Leinster are through to their eighth final but, after winning their first four but since their last victory in 2018 they have lost their last three.
The province had hoped to become the first team to lift the trophy five times but that honour went to Toulouse three years ago, when they beat La Rochelle in the final - which also took place in London, with Twickenham the venue.
The Top 14 giants won the first final back in 1995-96 and had played in five deciders by the time Leinster played in their first in 2009. The Red and Blacks were on the winning side on three occasions.
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