Conan

Leinster captain Jack Conan says winning the United Rugby Championship helped his side "silence a few critics".

And Conan was pleased with the success after the Irish side's recent shortcomings in European deciders.

Conan, who will now link up with the British and Irish Lions for their summer tour of Australia, revelled in winning the trophy at the GAA headquarters and in front of a crowd as Leinster's last triumph in the competition four years ago was behind closed doors due to Covid.

Leinster led 19-0 at half-time and Conan believes the strong defensive effort to shut out South African visitors Bulls after racing into the lead helped his side over the line in the second half.

Leo Cullen's side raced ahead through early tries from Jack Conan, the departing Jordie Barrett and Josh van der Flier, while rendering the South African visitors scoreless at half-time with a terrific defensive effort.