Leinster have grounds for optimism but key exits could leave them rowing against the wind

Leinster retained their URC title last season with a hat-trick of home wins over South African sides and their display against the Bulls in the final was arguably their best of the season. That was after a first-half blitz by Bordeaux-Bègles in Bilbao, which had decided the Champions Cup final by half-time. So, any season that includes a trophy cannot be considered a failure? Right?

Retaining their URC title was unquestionably a bigger achievement than any of their nine triumphs in that competition’s previous iterations. Leinster also reached a sixth Champions Cup final under Leo Cullen.