News & Features Edinburgh Rugby Men EPCR

Round of 16: Dublin awaits

1 Apr 2026

They came through Toulon. They came through Gloucester. Now Edinburgh Rugby face the biggest test of their European campaign — a trip to Dublin to face Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on Easter Sunday. Knockout rugby. No second chances. Just 80 minutes to make history.

The mission: Dublin Awaits

Sean Everitt’s side have earned their place among Europe’s elite – and now comes the ultimate test.

Edinburgh Rugby travel to the home of Irish rugby this Easter Sunday, taking on four-time champions Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16.

This is knockout rugby. One game, everything on the line, in front of a packed Dublin crowd. The capital side go there not as tourists, but as a team with a point to prove.

The journey: Earned the hard way

Edinburgh’s passage to the knockout rounds was built on two electric nights under the lights at Hive Stadium.

The capital side delivered bonus-point victories over three-time champions RC Toulon and English Premiership outfit Gloucester – results that announced Edinburgh’s intentions to the rest of Europe.

Qualifying as the 14th seed is not a limitation. It’s a licence. The underdog tag fits Edinburgh well, and they have worn it well on the European stage before.

The opponent: Leinster Rugby

Leo Cullen’s Leinster arrive as Pool 3 winners and third seeds in the competition overall. Led by Investec Player of the Year nominee Caelan Doris, they are as formidable a side as exists anywhere in Europe – a relentless, high-tempo outfit with depth that few squads can match.

But they are not unbeatable. Edinburgh know that. And on their day, with the game-plan clicking and the belief flowing, this team is capable of producing moments that stop European rugby in its tracks.

How to watch

Leinster vs Edinburgh Rugby | Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 | Sunday 5 April (kick-off 5.30pm) Aviva Stadium, Dublin

The match is live on Premier Sports, with full coverage of the Round of 16 action throughout the weekend. Check your provider for channel details and listings.

For fans making the trip to Dublin, tickets are still are available HERE.

Can’t make it in person? Follow every moment through Edinburgh Rugby’s official matchday channels for live updates, social clips, and behind-the-scenes content across social media.