Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Leo Cullen is looking to guide Leinster to a fifth Champions Cup
ByAndy GrayBBC Sport NI journalist in Bilbao- Published34 minutes ago
Bilbao holds fond memories for Leinster and head coach Leo Cullen, but they will be left in the past on Saturday afternoon.
Leinster are aiming to win their fifth Champions Cup title but Bordeaux, the reigning champions, stand in their way.
Much has been made of the Irish province's recent record in European finals.
Since winning the Champions Cup in 2018 in Bilbao, they have lost their four most recent deciders.
That includes three defeats in a row from 2022 to 2024, but they are back in the decider as they look to topple a star-studded Bordeaux side.
For Cullen, any memories, good or bad, won't come into the equation on Saturday.
"It was a great day back in 2018 but it's in the past now," said Cullen.
"It's a totally different challenge with a different group.
"Everyone's worked incredibly hard to get to this stage and it's amazing to be here now, but it's going to be a serious challenge
"But it's what we want, to be at this stage. So let's try and embrace the occasion and make sure we try to deliver our best performance."
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Cullen added it was a "privilege" to be back in a European final, but says it is now up to Leinster to get the job done.
The Leinster starting team contains 14 Ireland internationals, and the other player is All Black Rieko Ioane.
"At the start of the season everyone is thinking about getting to this point," Cullen added.
"There's a certain level of achievement to get to this point, but everyone wants to push on now."
Cullen added it will be a "serious challenge" against Bordeaux, who defeated French champions Toulouse and English Prem side Bath to reach the decider in Bilbao.
"We are fully respectful of the Bordeaux team and what they've achieved in recent times.
"But that's what you want. You want to be able to test yourselves against the best, and Bordeaux probably have been the best team in Europe over the last couple of seasons."
'Attack it and enjoy it'
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Caelan Doris is hoping to lift the Investec Champions Cup trophy in Bilbao
As Ireland captain, Caelan Doris has delivered many big team talks ahead of significant matches.
For the back row, he says it is "down to trusting the group, trusting each other and trusting in the prep".
Doris admitted it hasn't been a faultless season for Leinster but he hopes a knack of delivering in the big moments will be fruitful.
"It hasn't been perfect but we've found ways in games that we've been behind in, there's been composure there.
"In the big games, you just want to attack it."
Doris added that, if they are to win, they cannot think of the game as "one big, massive occasion".
"Moment by moment, there's going to be a lot of fights within the game and just trying to win as many of those as possible throughout it," he said.
"A big part of it is enjoying it. This is why you are a professional rugby player.
"The sacrifices that the squad, all the staff, families, have made over the years to get us to a point like this. These are the days that you strive for."
