‘We’re pretty devastated’ – Leo Cullen reflects on agonising extra-time loss to Toulouse

“We’re pretty devastated, you can see the guys out there who poured a huge amount into this campaign. That was two very good teams going at it, and it was probably a game where you win by taking your opportunities which is so important.

“We had plenty of opportunities but couldn’t quite nail them. Toulouse scrambled well, they pushed the boundaries at times in terms of defending their own try line and they dug in there well I thought. For us, look, we’re just unbelievably grateful of the support we’ve had over the whole campaign.

“Toulouse showed some of their champions qualities that they possess. Particularly their captain Antoine Dupont who came up with some pretty big moments at different stages; so its a tough one [defeat] to get through,” Cullen added.

Leinster’s head coach stated that his side still have unfinished business to look after in the United Rugby Championship with fixtures approaching on the horizon.

“Our season is not over but we turn our attention to URC which again will be a challenge. We have a game at home in the RDS in six days time before the playoffs, so its just important we show character as a group now. That’s what these guys do best and they’re a fantastic bunch of player to work with,” said Cullen.

When asked about his regrets from the game, Cullen reinforced the feeling that he and his side don’t think about regrets after any match.

“We don’t live too much for regrets, they give everything that they had out there. Being a bit more clinical overall, but again credit to Toulouse wo came up with big moments defensively. It was an unbelievably tight game especially when it goes to extra time, and they [Toulouse] took their chance on the edge [for Lebel’s try] and with a couple of late penalties.

“There was nothing between the teams as we saw. Hugely frustrating and a painful experience but for us its now about showing proper character; what we are really made of and turning it around for the rest of the season,” Cullen expanded.

Cullen continued by sympathising and apologising to the Leinster fans who came in their droves to North London for the final, acknowledging the pain of defeat will sting for some time.

“The pain of defeat is hard to deal with, but we just have to make sure we show the right qualities now. We’ve worked unbelievably hard to get the group to this point and we’re unbelievably appreciative of the support; not just today but across the campaign.

“A big thanks to everyone and we’re sorry we couldn’t get over the line again today, but I think there is plenty more in this group. There are a lot of young players there that will be the better for it [the defeat] in the future as tough as it is to say right now,” he concluded.

Leo Cullen’s men will undoubtedly lick their wounds tonight, but thoughts must quickly shift back to United Rugby Championship action. A final fixture against Connaght on Friday 31st May could help Leinster improve their league position ahead of the knockout rounds to follow.