Leinster, Cardiff And Glasgow Set URC Tone In Festive Derby Round

Leinster gained revenge over Munster with a 13 - 8 derby win at Thomond Park as Ulster, Cardiff, Ospreys, Glasgow and Benetton claimed Christmas victories.

Dec 28, 2025 by Philip Bendon

Leinster, Cardiff And Glasgow Set URC Tone In Festive Derby Round

Leinster got the last word in the latest chapter of Ireland’s fiercest provincial rivalry, edging Munster 13-8 at a sold-out Thomond Park on Saturday to close a weekend of Christmas derbies in the United Rugby Championship.

It was one try apiece in Limerick, with Player of the Match Josh van der Flier crossing early to set the tone for the reigning BKT URC champions.

Leinster then leaned on its defensive steel to survive a bruising, low-scoring arm wrestle, with fly-half Harry Byrne’s boot ultimately providing the separating margin.

Munster replacement wing Dan Kelly struck with 10 minutes left to set up a grandstand finish, but Leinster’s line held through a prolonged final passage of play that stretched deep into added time.

“It was a tough game," Van der Flier said. "I thought we played really well and defended really well. It took every bit of us. Munster were very good the last time we played them, and they were very good again.

“It was definitely a big disappointment to have lost early on in the season at Croke Park, but really proud of the lads to have come up with a performance like that. Munster were great, the crowd were brilliant, as always, and we’re very pleased with the result.”

Leinster’s opening try came early, rewarding a fast start and direct pressure inside Munster territory.

Munster steadied the contest through the middle quarter, but points proved scarce, as both packs wrestled at the breakdown, and defenders repeatedly won collisions on the gain line.

Byrne’s penalties kept Leinster in front, while Munster had to settle for limited return, despite extended time in Leinster’s half late on.

“It was two teams that really wanted it and that probably showed in the defense," Van der Flier added. "The breakdown was a massive contest on both sides for the whole game. It was one of those kind of dig-deep performances, so I think we were glad for a bit of extra Christmas pudding in the bellies to fuel us on.”

After winning just one of its opening four games, Leinster has stitched together six successive victories in all competitions, and Van der Flier framed the result as part of a longer season arc, rather than a finished product.

“Rugby is a tough game,” he said. “We had a couple of disappointments early on, but we are doing well. The biggest thing we can judge ourselves on is the effort. Some things could have been better out there, but the effort was 100%, and that’s what we expect of each other.

“As long as we can keep that effort, show a bit of toughness and dog it out, I think it will stand us well for the season.”

For Munster, there was at least consolation in a losing bonus point, which keeps the team second, though the defeat represented a missed opportunity to perform on a weekend when the league leaders, the DHL Stormers, were not in action.

Ulster Downs Connacht In Galway, 29-24

The other all-Irish contest delivered an away win by the same margin, with Ulster taking a 29-24 bonus-point victory over Connacht in Galway.

Winger Zac Ward scored two tries, while secondrow Cormac Izuchukwu collected the Player of the Match award, as Ulster’s attack did its damage in decisive bursts.

The win left the Belfast based side fifth in the table, while Connacht was left to rue a late chase that fell just short.

Glasgow Warriors Top Edinburgh To Retain 1872 Cup

Scotland’s derby double also belonged to Glasgow.

A Murrayfield crowd of 38,179 watched the Warriors beat Edinburgh 21-3 to win the 1872 Cup for the fourth year in a row.

Coming off last weekend’s 24-12 victory at Hampden Park, Glasgow took the two-leg series 45-15 on aggregate and stayed fourth in the league.

The return leg remained tight deep into the second half, before Glasgow finished with a flourish, scoring two tries in the final five minutes. Player of the Match Jamie Dobie crossed for his second try to close it out.

“It was really tough, a really physical game," Dobie said. "It maybe didn’t open up quite as much until just at the end there. It’s massive for the league. To get nine points out of these two games and retain the cup is really great for the club, so we are delighted.”

Captain Kyle Steyn echoed the same theme of resilience and timing.

“It’s been two really tough games, but I’m really proud of the boys," Steyn said, later adding that Glasgow had been determined to reverse recent frustration at Murrayfield. "Both weeks when it counted, we had what it takes."

Italy's Derby Also Sees Repeat Winner, As Benetton Defeats Zebre Parma

Italy’s derby also produced a repeat winner.

Benetton backed up last weekend’s 21-15 home success over Zebre Parma by winning 37-23 away to complete the domestic double. It finished four tries to two, with fly-half Jacob Umaga landing six kicks to underline Benetton’s control.

The Best Of The Rest

Wales delivered two Boxing Day spectacles, and two home nations talking points.

Ospreys coach Mark Jones praised his side for “honoring the jersey” after a 26-19 bonus-point victory away to Scarlets in Llanelli.

Despite two yellow cards and just 38% possession, the Ospreys outscored their rivals four tries to three in front of 12,105, with flanker Harri Deaves making 27 tackles to earn player-of-the-match honors.

Replacement wing Iestyn Hopkins sealed the win and the bonus with three minutes to play, lifting Ospreys off the bottom of the table and leaving the Scarlets in last.

“We didn’t play our best, particularly with the ball, but without it that was probably our best defensive performance,” Jones said. “Your defense represents the heart of the team, and the guys did a tremendous job there.”

At Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff held on through seven minutes of stoppage time to beat Dragons 22-19 in a sold-out contest that drew 12,125.

Wing Mason Grady, the player of the match, captured the feeling at full-time.

“It’s just relief really," Grady said. "I thought the boys dug in really well toward the end and showed some real character.”

Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl praised the late stand and pointed to a familiar target for improvement.

“We just need to be more ruthless,” he said.

Dragons coach Filo Tiatia said his side was “not good enough in the second half,” while also saluting the atmosphere and what derby crowds can do for the competition.

A Look Ahead - More Derbies In Round 9 Of The URC Season

Next up, the league rolls straight into another full program, with eight matches over three days, and Round 9 featuring six more derbies.

New Year’s Day brings two all-Welsh clashes, with Cardiff traveling to Bridgend’s Brewery Field to face Ospreys, and the Dragons hosting the Scarlets.

A day later, Ulster entertains Munster in a top-5 showdown, while Leinster hosts Connacht on Saturday looking to extend its winning run.

In South Africa, the Stormers face the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town, with more than 35,000 tickets already sold, and the Hollywoodbets Sharks host the Lions in Durban, while Glasgow welcomes Zebre, and Edinburgh travels to Benetton.

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