It is a repeat of the 2025 final, when Leinster claimed their first URC title by overpowering the Bulls 32-7 at the iconic Croke Park after a blistering start that left the visitors chasing the game from the outset.

For the Bulls, it will be a fourth URC final in five seasons. While the title has remained frustratingly out of reach, there is a quiet confidence within the camp that, after the campaign they have endured, this could finally be their year. However, they know it will require a complete performance — physically and mentally — and the ability to stay in the fight until the final whistle.

A win will see the Bulls become the first team in history to win the Super Rugby as well as URC titles.

The captains, Marcell Coetzee and Caelan Doris - INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Head coach Johan Ackermann has named a formidable squad for the showpiece, with no fewer than 16 Springboks included in the match-day 23. Among them are double Rugby World Cup winners Handré Pollard and Willie le Roux, whose experience could prove invaluable on one of rugby's biggest stages.

It certainly won't be an easy task, but there is no doubt the unchanged squad will arrive brimming with confidence after their remarkable comeback victory over Franco Smith's Glasgow Warriors in the semi-finals. The Bulls overturned a 21-3 deficit at Murrayfield in Edinburgh to claim a dramatic 22-21 win and book their place in the decider.

In his first season in charge of the Pretoria outfit, Ackermann has achieved what many thought was impossible. Earlier in the campaign, there were genuine concerns that the Bulls might not even finish inside the top eight, yet they now stand one win away from lifting the trophy.

Ackermann told OFM Sport that standing on the famous Croke Park pitch during the captain's run brought home just how special the occasion is.

“When we had the captain's run and I stood in the stadium, looking at the field, you reflect on the season and where we were compared to where we are now,” said the former Springbok lock.

“It's a great privilege — all I can say is that it still feels a little surreal to me. The fight the players have shown throughout the season has been incredible.

The Potchefstroom-born Marcell Coetzee will be playing in his third URC final -  INPHO/Dan Sheridan

“First and foremost, it's a privilege to play in the final, but we know it can also be a great ending to a remarkable journey, considering how we started and where we have ended up.

“It is a massive challenge against one of the best teams, if not the best team, in this competition and in Europe. We have no illusions about that, but at least we have given ourselves an opportunity by reaching the final.”

Captain Marcell Coetzee, who has featured in his fair share of URC finals, added that facing Leinster is one of the toughest assignments in club rugby, regardless of the venue or occasion.

“I don't think it matters whether you play Leinster on a Friday, Saturday or any other day of the week — it's always going to be a tough challenge,” said the Potchefstroom-born Springbok.

“What makes Friday night special is the occasion itself and hopefully a great crowd. For us, arriving this week and preparing for the game, it probably makes the week feel a little shorter, which means you don't have too much time to overthink things.

“It's a fantastic opportunity and one we're really looking forward to. I have so many good leaders around me and everyone contributes in their own way. Personally, I just want to enjoy the moment.

Springbok lock, RG Snyman, who was also born in Potchefstroom, with the URC trophy after Leinster beat the Bulls 32-7 in the 2025 final at Croke Park in Dublin - URC

“As you get older in your career, you realise that sometimes you took moments like these for granted.

“To be in a final is something to be grateful for. Enjoy the occasion, seize the opportunity and don't look back.”

Friday night's eagerly anticipated United Rugby Championship final between Leinster and the Bulls at Croke Park kicks off at 20:30 South African time.

Leinster - 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jamie Osborne, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (captain), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Max Deegan, 5 James Ryan, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Jerry Cahir
Replacements - 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Alex Usanov, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Diarmuid Mangan, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Harry Byrne, 23 Garry Ringrose

Bulls -  15 Willie le Roux, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements - 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Jeandré Rudolph, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Nizaam Carr

Morgan Piek OFM Sport