Leinster's final flourish - Four stars on a shirt

Leinster go in search of a fifth European Champions Cup title when they face La Rochelle at the Stade Velodrome later today.

Here we look back at their five previous final appearances.

2009

LEINSTER 19-16 LEICESTER

Following their statement semi-final victory over Munster, Leinster, under Michael Cheika faced a Tigers team that had won the competition twice at that point and were losing finalists two years earlier.

Boosted by Ireland's Grand Slam win, bolstered by two former Leicester men in Leo Cullen and Shane Jennings and led ably on the field by Rocky Elsom, Leinster were not to be denied their moment of history.

Two first-half drop goals from Brian O’Driscoll and Johnny Sexton and a Sexton penalty kept them in touch with the Tigers who led 16-9 in the 49th minute with Ben Woods’ try and 11 points from the boot of Julien Dupuy doing the damage.

However, Jamie Heaslip barged over for a converted try and the sides were level.

Sexton curled in a penalty in the 70th minute to win the game as Leinster held off a late surge to win their first ever major trophy.

2011

LEINSTER 33-22 NORTHAMPTON

Having lost their crown in the 2010 semi-final against Toulouse, Leinster made it back to the final where they would face Northampton in the Millenium Stadium.

The Saints crossed for three tries, Phil Dowson, Phil Foden and Dylan Hartley, in the first half and led 22-6, giving Joe Schmidt’s side a mountain to climb in the second period.

Then came the mythical Johnny Sexton half-time speech and Leinster proceeded to sort out their scrum and miraculously had taken the lead by the 57th minute thanks to two converted tries and a penalty from their out-half.

Nathan Hines crossed for another try and Sexton kicked five more points to ensure Leinster took