Leinster vs Toulouse, Champions Cup final: Kick-off time, TV channel, live stream, team news, lineups, odds

Leinster look to put past heartbreak behind them as they face Toulouse in the Champions Cup final this weekend.

This is the third time in as many years that the Irish side have reached the final, but they have been beaten by La Rochelle in each of the last two seasons, by one point a year ago and three points in 2022.

Leinster were also runners-up in 2019, when losing to Saracens, so they will be desperate to get over the line as they bid to be crowned European champions for the first time in six years.

Victory would bring a record-equalling fifth Champions Cup title, drawing them level with Toulouse, who have not been in the final since they beat La Rochelle to lift the trophy three years ago.

Toulouse have been in typically sparkling form, seeing off Racing 92, Exeter Chiefs and then Harlequins to reach the final, while Leinster avenged past defeats by hammering La Rochelle in the quarter-finals.

It was a nervy last-four clash against Northampton, but James Lowe’s hat-trick led Leinster to a 20-17 victory, and a third consecutive final.

These two sides have met in the Champions Cup in both of the last two seasons, with Leinster coming out on top each time.

Toulouse proved too good for Harlequins in the last-four (AFP via Getty Images)

Leinster vs Toulouse date, kick-off time and venue

Leinster vs Toulouse will take place on Saturday May 25, 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 2:45pm BST.

The match is being played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

How to watch Leinster vs Toulouse

TV channel: The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 1:30pm BST ahead of a 2:45pm kick-off.

Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Discovery+ app or website.

Leinster vs Toulouse team news

Leinster named a heavily rotated side in a defeat to Ulster over the weekend, with the focus very much on the Champions Cup final, though James Ryan and Hugo Keenan did feature on their returns from injury as they continue to build back to full fitness.

Ryan had not played since he was involved for Ireland against Wales in the Six Nations, suffering a biceps injury in training, but his return is a significant boost.

Garry Ringrose has been battling a shoulder injury, and his participation in the final remains in doubt. Jamie Osborne is expected to continue in his absence, while Jimmy O’Brien is competing with Jordan Larmour  for a place on the wing.

For Toulouse, Santiago Chocobares is available again after a ban for a dangerous tackle.

The Argentinian was cited for a dangerous tackle on Luke Northmore in the semi-finals against Harlequins, with a six-week suspension reduced to three due to a guilty plea. However, a further week was taken off that by attending tackle school, leaving Chocobares free to feature in the final.

Toulouse also rotated their side last time out, meaning the likes of Antoine Dupont and Emmanuel Meafou to come back into the starting lineup. against Leinster.

Antoine Dupont is the leading man as ever for Toulouse (Getty Images)

Leinster vs Toulouse lineups

TBC.

Leinster vs Toulouse prediction

These are two sides with rich European history and another tight final appears to be on the cards.

Leinster have been pipped in the last two seasons but will believe they can go one better here, having knocked out La Rochelle with what was a statement win.

Toulouse have an extra hurdle to overcome in that they have lost to Leinster in the last two seasons, with that surely at least in the back of their minds heading into this final.

Fine margins will decide it - we’re going for Leinster to edge an enthralling encounter.

Leinster to win, by three points

Leinster vs Toulouse match odds

Leinster to win: 10/11

Toulouse to win: Evens

Draw: 20/1

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.