Leinster banished the ghosts of last season's heartbreaking exit to book their place in the Champions Cup final, surviving a ferocious Toulon fightback in a gripping semi-final at the Aviva Stadium.

The Irish province had been haunted by their shock defeat to Northampton 12 months ago, but for 65 minutes in Dublin, they looked every bit the four-time champions. Tries from Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Garry Ringrose, and Caelan Doris built a commanding 29-11 lead, with the home side's attacking flair and defensive steel seemingly too much for the French giants.

But Toulon, true to their reputation as European rugby's great survivors, refused to go quietly. With 11 minutes remaining, replacement scrum-half Baptiste Serin burrowed over from close range, igniting a storm that had the Leinster faithful holding their breath. Then, with five minutes left, flying winger Gael Drean touched down in the corner to cut the deficit to just four points.

The memories of last year's collapse and three consecutive final defeats came flooding back. The Aviva Stadium fell silent as Toulon piled on the pressure, sensing an improbable comeback. But Leo Cullen's men dug deep, showing the grit and composure that has defined their season, holding firm through four agonizing minutes of stoppage time to seal a 29-25 victory.

Now, Leinster stand on the brink of their first Champions Cup title since 2018. They'll face either Bordeaux-Begles or Bath in the final in Bilbao in three weeks' time—a chance to add another chapter to their storied legacy. For a team that has come so close so often, this victory felt like more than just a semi-final win; it was a statement that they are ready to reclaim their throne.