Leinster Rugby is one of the top professional rugby teams in Europe, having won the prestigious Heineken Champions Cup 4 times. With a passionate fanbase across Ireland and beyond, many people want to watch Leinster play regularly. However, with matches split across free-to-air TV, subscription channels and streaming platforms, it can be confusing to know where to watch. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to watch Leinster rugby matches, including live games, highlights and reruns.
How to Watch Leinster Rugby Live
Live Leinster rugby matches are shown on a mix of free and paid channels/platforms:
Free Options
RTÉ
As Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTÉ will air a number of Leinster’s key games free each season on RTÉ 2 and the RTÉ Player. This includes matches in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and Heineken Champions Cup. Check the RTÉ sports schedule each week to see upcoming Leinster fixtures.
TG4
The Irish language station TG4 also broadcast some Leinster games free-to-air during the URC season. These are often derby clashes against the other Irish provinces.
Premier Sports
While primarily a subscription service, Premier Sports provide free live streams of certain Leinster matches via their YouTube channel. Keep an eye out for select URC games made free on YouTube.
Paid Options
Premier Sports
Premier Sports is the main broadcaster for the United Rugby Championship, housing over 150 live games each season. A standard subscription costs €12.99 a month or €129 a year. Premier Sports is available on Sky, Virgin Media and through the Premier Player online and on mobile.
BT Sport
As the exclusive Irish rights holder for the Champions Cup, BT Sport show all of Leinster’s European games live. Subscriptions start from €29.99 a month on Sky, Virgin Media and the BT Sport app. Day and week passes are also available.
RugbyPass
This online streaming service offers live coverage of every URC match. RugbyPass provides two subscription options:
– RugbyPass International (outside UK/Ireland) – €14.99 per month
– RugbyPass UK/Ireland – €39.99 per year
Apps are available across most devices.
Now TV
BT Sport is also accessible on a pay-per-view basis through Now TV. Daily and monthly Sky Sports passes include BT channels. Now TV can be viewed online or via their box.
Amazon Prime Video
Selected URC games air on Prime Video as part of an ongoing partnership. All Amazon customers can watch these matches on any device.
Pub/Venue
If you prefer watching matches in a social setting, head down to your local pub! Most sports bars and venues broadcast Leinster’s main fixtures across various providers. Check ahead to ensure they’re showing the match you want to see.
How to Watch Leinster Rugby Highlights
If you miss the live action, highlights of Leinster games are readily available:
YouTube
Official 15-minute (approx) highlights are uploaded to the Leinster Rugby YouTube channel the day after matches. These are completely free to watch back.
Virgin Media
Virgin Media airs URC, Champions Cup and friendly highlights on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Sport. Timings vary but are generally in primetime slots.
RTÉ
On top of live games, RTÉ provide highlights of Leinster’s key clashes on RTÉ 2 and online. These are typically broadcast during sports bulletins or The Sunday Game.
Premier Sports
Extended match highlights and player/coach interviews are available on-demand on the Premier Sports platform for URC fixtures. Just log-in and browse the Leinster videos.
BT Sport
Similar to Premier Sports, BT Sport upload highlights of all Leinster’s European matches online. These are viewable on their website and app.
URC TV
URC TV provides mini highlights clips from all competition fixtures shortly after full-time. Register for free access.
How to Watch Full Replays & Classic Matches
Want to relive memorable Leinster performances in full? Here’s where to find reruns and archive content:
Premier Sports
Every URC match is available to watch back in full on Premier Sports after live broadcast. Just login via your chosen device and browse the Leinster match archive – ideal for catching up on missed action!
BT Sport
Similar to Premier, full re-runs of all Champions Cup clashes are viewable on BT Sport post-match. Handy for replay analysis!
RTE Archives
As well as live action, RTE also show full reruns of certain Leinster classics from years gone by. Keep an eye on the RTE Player for replay alerts.
YouTube
Diehard Leinster fans have uploaded full matches from past seasons to YouTube. Search for games against your favourite opponents or knock-out ties. Just beware of video quality!
DVDs
DVD boxsets exist containing highlights of Leinster’s greatest games through the years. Try Amazon, eBay or specialist retailers for the best deals. The perfect memento for the collection!
How to Get Leinster Rugby Updates & News
Completing your Leinster viewing experience, stay up to date with team news, injury updates and match previews/reports through:
Leinster Rugby Website & App
The Leinster Rugby official website and mobile app provides 24/7 news on all team affairs. Sections include Match Centre, News, Features and Social Wall. Free to access and register.
Social Media
Follow Leinster’s official Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels for real-time squad, matchday and commercial updates. Player profiles are also active across socials.
News Outlets
Local and national newspapers, TV news and sports websites all frequently cover Leinster rugby. Check out the Irish Times, Irish Independent, RTE, Off The Ball and Balls.ie.
Podcasts
Leinster focused podcasts like Behind the Steel Curtain and The Left Wing provide weekly audio analysis around games, performances and events. Find them on all good podcast platforms.
Fanzines/Forums
Old school! Hardcore Leinster fans still produce fanzines and visit internet forums to discuss the nitty gritty around the club. Great places to share views and passion.
How to Buy Leinster Rugby Tickets
When it comes to watching Leinster in the flesh, here’s how to get your hands on those coveted match tickets:
Online Ticket Site
Leinster Rugby operates its own online ticket site for all home games in the RDS Arena and Ballsbridge. Single match seats, season tickets and hospitality packages are listed.
Phone Ticket Line
Alternatively, call the dedicated ticket phone line at 01 240 9200 to book Leinster tickets over the phone. Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
On The Door
A limited number of walk-up tickets are sold at the RDS Arena box office on match days, subject to availability. Get down early to avoid queues and disappointment! Cash/card accepted.
Away Game Info
Tickets for Leinster away matches in the URC and Europe can only be purchased direct through opposition clubs. Check their websites nearer the fixture.
StubHub Resale
Fans resell spare Leinster tickets via StubHub at various prices, but buyer beware of inflated costs! Always shop around different resale sites.
Hospitality/Packages
For a VIP experience, check out premium hospitality packages via the Leinster Rugby site. These include food, reserved seating and exclusive access.
Top Tips For Watching Leinster
Follow these handy tips to enhance your viewing enjoyment when watching Leinster in action:
Grab A Drink/Snack
Just like being in the stadium, get some matchday treats ready for home viewing! Favourite beer, soft drink, snacks, pizza delivery…
Invite Friends Over
Watching together is always better – invite your fellow Leinster mates around for some rugby camaraderie!
Check Streaming Quality
If watching online, test your wifi signal beforehand. Or connect your device directly to the router for max streaming quality.
Mute Social Media (If Avoiding Score)
Stay off Twitter etc if you don’t want the live score spoiled before catching up on replay.
Charge Devices Fully
Ensure phones, tablets, laptops, TV streamers are fully charged pre-match so you don’t miss the action.
Arrive Early (If Attending)
Get to the stadium in plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and secure your spot.
Invest In Merchandise
Back the boys in blue! Buy the latest Leinster jersey/merch and wear it proudly during the game.
Join In The Chants
Add your voice to the Leinster faithful – learn the words to the anthem ‘Stand Up For The Boys In Blue’ and terrace chants!
Follow Post-Match Coverage
After, enjoy the player interviews, talking points and fan reactions from TV, radio, podcasts, social media.
Conclusion
Hopefully this guide provides all the necessary information on how and where to watch Leinster in domestic and European action. With such a wide range of viewing options available across free channels, paid TV subscriptions, online streaming and mobile apps, there’s no excuse for missing the boys in blue!
Combining live game coverage with highlights, repeats, news and analysis will give you an immersive and unforgettable experience of following Leinster Rugby each season. Get your fixtures organised, grab the snacks and beverage of choice, invite fellow supporters around and cheer the Leinsters heroes on towards more glory!