It was just Leinster’s second defeat of the season and a first Scarlets win over an Irish province since March 2021

Impressive when given his opportunities in the last two seasons, injuries have been a stumbling block for Culhane, who is relieved to put the latest setback behind him.

A busy day of football rugby and GAA.

Aki has won three Six Nations titles with Ireland, including two Grand Slams, and in 2023 was nominated for the World Rugby Men’s XVs Player of the Year award.

A record league crowd of 80,468 watched the Irish provinces battle it out at GAA HQ for the second time in 15 years, albeit that injuries meant Munster were not at full strength.

The break was welcome for Van der Flier, who had some time off after a long 2023/2024 season.

Leinster are set to be without a number of younger players as a squad is set to make their way to South Africa in two weeks time.

Leinster have played a number of games in the Aviva Stadium over the years, particuraly in the knockout stages of the Champions Cup

This top of the table clash was of Test match quality at times, with Leo Cullen’s men now nine points clear at the summit.

They beat champions La Rochelle 16-9 after a late penalty from replacement Ciaran Frawley sealed the win.