# Leinster rout Clermont with seven tries in Champions Cup opener

> Leinster scored seven tries to beat Clermont 48-23 in their pool one opener, with fly-half Sam Prendergast scoring 16 points in a dominant display.
- Title: Leinster rout Clermont with seven tries in Champions Cup…
- Summary: Leinster scored seven tries to beat Clermont 48-23 in their pool one opener, with fly-half Sam Prendergast scoring 16 points in a dominant display. Leinster…
- Keywords: leinster, clermont auvergne, investec champions cup, sam prendergast, rugby union, stade marcel-michelin, sports, rout, Clermont, seven, tries, Champions
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cwrky6y0gvd6o
- Published: 2026-10-17T16:33:12.9+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: leinster, clermont auvergne, investec champions cup, sam prendergast, rugby union, stade marcel-michelin, sports
## Leinster launch European quest with bonus-point win
Leinster defeated Clermont 48-23 at Stade Marcel-Michelin in their Investec Champions Cup pool one opener, securing a bonus-point victory in their quest for an elusive fifth European title.
## Leinster loaded with Ireland internationals
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen loaded his line-up with Ireland internationals after the province were beaten finalists for the fifth time in eight seasons in May.
## Furlong and Sheehan score first-half tries
Tadhg Furlong and Dan Sheehan scored first-half tries for Leinster, but Clermont edged in front before half-time through Joris Jurand's score and eleven points from fly-half Harry Plummer.
## Prendergast's superb try sets tone for second half
Sam Prendergast scored a superb try within two minutes of the restart, setting the tone for the second half as Leinster pulled away. Prendergast finished with sixteen points.
## Penalty try and Sheehan's second extend lead
Referee Matthew Carley awarded a penalty try with prop Nohem Ez Zahouany sin-binned, followed by Dan Sheehan's second try as Leinster extended their commanding lead.
## Conan and O'Brien wrap up convincing victory
Jack Conan and Tommy O'Brien scored in the final quarter as Leinster wrapped up a convincing victory. Mathys Belaubre had responded for Clermont earlier in the second half.
## Conan injury concern for Ireland boss Farrell
Jack Conan left the stadium with his arm in a sling, a worrying development for Ireland boss Andy Farrell given fellow back row Caelan Doris' ongoing injury woes.
## Key takeaway

Leinster defeated Clermont 48-23 with seven tries in their Investec Champions Cup pool one opener, with Sam Prendergast scoring 16 points as the Irish province launched their bid for a fifth European title.