21 May 2012

Leinster thrash Ulster in European Cup final

6:35 am on 21 May 2012

Leinster have beaten Irish provincial rivals Ulster 42-14 to defend their European Cup rugby title at Twickenham, becoming the first team to win the trophy three times in four seasons.

It was a personal triumph for the oldest man to play in a European Cup final, 37-year-old New Zealander Brad Thorn, the former All Black also becoming the first player to add that honour to a World Cup and a Super Rugby title.

Thorn also won four Australian rugby league premierships with Brisbane.

Leinster, with a gameplan based on slick handling and a swarming defence, scored five tries.

Another former All Black, John Afoa, was on the losing side.

Leinster has an all-New Zealand coaching staff too with Joe Schmidt the head coach, assisted by Greg Feek and Jono Gibbes.