Leo Cullen chose a strange to announce a returning player to Leinster for next season , following a heavy Champions Cup final defeat to Bordeaux Begles.
Cullen announced that Joey Carbery would return to Leinster for the 2026 season.
Carbery has been a squad player for Bordeaux Begles for the last few seasons and while he didnโt feature in the game against Leinster.
Frawley out, Carbery in
When discussing the departure of Ciaran Frawley to Connacht for next season, he dropped the bombshell that Carbery would return.
Carbery shocked by the announcement
Carbery has played 37 times for Ireland between 2016 and 2022. When asked about the move he seemed shock to hear that Cullen had talked about it.
He commented, โIf heโs saying it then yeah!โ He later added, โ Iโm looking forward to coming back.โ
The out-half left Leinster to join Munster in 2018 and then onto Bordeaux in 2024.
Heavy defeat for Leinster
Leinster suffered a heavy defeat in the Champions Cup final to Bordeaux. The game finished 41-19, but realistically the game was done at half-time.
Bordeaux led the game 35-7 at the break after Leinster took an early lead.
