Last Updated: 12/12/25 10:55pm
Harry Byrne’s goal-kicking proved decisive as Leinster edged Leicester 23-15 in the Investec Champions Cup at Welford Road. Both teams scored two tries apiece, but three penalties from Byrne and a late conversion sealed the victory for the visitors, while Leicester remain pointless after their first two European fixtures.
Jamison Gibson-Park and hooker Dan Sheehan touched down for Leinster. Leicester’s tries came from wings Adam Radwan and Ollie Hassell-Collins, with Billy Searle contributing from the tee with a penalty and a conversion.
Leinster thought they had opened the scoring with a rehearsed line-out move that saw Tommy O’Brien dive over after Robbie Henshaw’s knock-down, but the TMO ruled Henshaw had started from an offside position and the try was chalked off. The visitors then dominated the early play and Byrne slotted a straightforward penalty, only for Searle to level soon after.
Radwan then produced a spectacular moment for the Tigers, capitalising on a loose ball in the Leinster 22 by twice hack-kicking it along the right touchline before grounding it for the game’s first try. Byrne replied with another penalty, but on the stroke of half-time Leicester struck again when Hassell-Collins finished off a well-placed cross-field kick from Searle as Leinster’s defence hesitated. Searle missed the conversion and Leicester led 15-6 at the break.
Early in the second half Searle had a chance to stretch the lead with a long-range penalty, but it drifted wide. Leinster hit back five minutes later when the home side lost control at a scrum in their 22; Gibson-Park seized possession and powered through to score. That try shifted momentum firmly to Leinster, who forced repeated penalties from Leicester. Byrne’s third penalty put Leinster ahead as the match entered the final quarter.
Byrne was then replaced by Sam Prendergast, who was on in time to convert Sheehan’s try after a dominant line-out drive confirmed the win for Leinster. Despite errors at times, Leinster’s kicking and composure under pressure proved enough to take the two crucial try-scoring points on the road.