Sports · Other Sports · 1 day ago
Leinster beat Cardiff in first home match after returning to Laya Arena
Leinster beat Cardiff in their first home match at the redeveloped Laya Arena, formerly known as the RDS Arena.
The Irish side had started their title defence in South Africa, losing to the Lions and Sharks but earning three bonus points.
They had played at Aviva Stadium for two seasons while the arena was redeveloped.
Cardiff scrum-half Aled Davies was sent to the sin-bin in the first half, and Leinster built a 22-5 lead by half-time.
Cardiff had more territory after the break but could not make enough of their chances, while Leinster scored again late in the game.
Cardiff left 35-year-old number eight Taulupe Faletau out as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.
Cardiff are due to play Northampton in the Champions Cup on 18 October, then face Sharks at home five days later; the team must decide when to bring Faletau back.
Leinster beat Cardiff in their first home match at the redeveloped Laya Arena after two seasons playing at Aviva Stadium.
The match was a successful homecoming for Leo Cullen’s side as they began their title defence.
Leinster led 22-5 at half-time after tries by Keenan, O’Brien and Conan.
Cardiff scored once before the break and Leinster centre Osborne added a try in the closing stages.
Aled Davies was sin-binned in the first half for killing the ball on his line.
- Who
- Leinster beat Cardiff.
- What
- Leinster won their first home match at the redeveloped Laya Arena after returning from two seasons at Aviva Stadium.
- When
- 10 October 2026, according to the BBC Sport publication date.
- Where
- Laya Arena, formerly the RDS Arena.
- Why
- It was Leinster’s first home match after returning to the redeveloped venue and part of their title defence.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Leinster began their title defence in South Africa and returned with three bonus points from defeats by the Lions and Sharks.
Cardiff named Taulupe Faletau in their starting line-up, but later chose not to field him.
Leinster hosted Cardiff in their first home match at the redeveloped Laya Arena after two seasons at Aviva Stadium.
Leinster went ahead, then led 22-5 at half-time after O’Brien scored his second try.
- Venue
- Redeveloped €52m Laya Arena, formerly the RDS Arena
- Leinster head coach
- Leo Cullen
- Half-time score
- Leinster 22-5 Cardiff
- Sin-bin
- Cardiff scrum-half Aled Davies, 16th minute
- Previous home venue
- Aviva Stadium, for two seasons
Sources
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