Leinster’s savage beauty could make them Europe’s greatest champions

Leinster could draw level with Toulouse’s five titles this weekend and the scary thing is they are still improving - so who would win if the Toulon of 2014 played the Leinster of 2022?

Leinster's Johnny Sexton celebrates. ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

THE surest sign of consistent quality in European club rugby is visible just above the heart. Those four little gold stars woven into Leinster’s jersey might not immediately catch everyone’s eye but if you know, you know. Each of them denotes a European Cup title and adding another this weekend will gain Leo Cullen's men entry to the most rarefied of clubs.

Currently the French thoroughbreds of Stade Toulousain are the sole occupants of this elite five-star enclosure, courtesy of victory over La Rochelle in last year’s final. Next up, after Leinster, are Toulon and Saracens with three while Munster, Leicester and Wasps are the only other teams to have raised the trophy more than once. In the past 20 years only one side from outside that magnificent seven – Exeter – have conquered Europe.