Leinster player ratings vs Zebre Parma | 2025/26 URC

Leinster player ratings: Leinster returned to winning ways in the URC at the Aviva, putting 50 points on Zebre Parma in a chaotic but entertaining outing that showcased plenty of new talent.

There were debut tries, wild offloads and more than a few defensive wobbles, but head coach Leo Cullen will at least be pleased with the youthful energy on display.

Here’s how they rated:

15. Hugo McLaughlin – 7
The debutant unselfishly threw an assist to Kenny for Leinster’s first try and ran some pleasingly direct lines in attack after that. Faded a little but was pretty solid overall.

14. Joshua Kenny – 8
Scored within seconds after a great grubber from Harry Byrne and shook off a heavy shot a few minutes later. Has that Sevens finisher’s knack when the line’s in sight, as shown in his second try.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Leinster

50 - 26

Full-time

Zebre

All Stats and Data

13. Hugh Cooney – 7
Strong, intelligent running lines that kept Zebre’s defence guessing, and his tackling was excellent too. Looked assured throughout.

12. Charlie Tector – 7
Smart enough to capitalise on some horror defending to put Soroka in for his second. There’s something of the Conrad Smith about him – composure, awareness, timing.

11. Andrew Osborne – 3
A day to forget. Lost in no man’s land for Zebre’s 11th-minute try, then caught out again later. Had a try disallowed, threw a poor pass when Leinster looked certain to score, and capped it with a clumsy aerial challenge that earned a yellow upgraded to a 20-minute red. A rough night.

10. Harry Byrne – 8
Lovely grubber for Kenny’s opener and repeatedly turned Zebre with kicks in behind. Maybe overused the tactic, but his passing variety and tempo control were excellent. Took his try neatly after a period of pressure. Slick stuff.

9. Luke McGrath – 6
Some questionable box kicks from the skipper and switched off for Zebre’s first try off a lineout. Fumbled what would have been a tidy score himself. Not his sharpest day.

1. Jerry Cahir – 7.5
Another debutant who can be proud of his night. Solid at scrumtime, busy in the loose, and powered over for his try on 47 minutes. Strong showing for a short-term signing.

2. John McKee – 7
Dependable darts and mobile around the park. A quietly effective performance.

3. Rabah Slimani – 6
Did his job at the set-piece and popped up in midfield a few times. Didn’t exactly empty the tank, but fine by his current standards.

4. Brian Deeny – 6.5
More toil than flash. Worked hard without ever really getting on top of Zebre’s maul game.

5. Diarmuid Mangan – 7
A good bounce-back in the carrying department. Made metres and was busy until a HIA on 55 minutes cut his night short.

6. Alex Soroka – 8.5
Late call-up in the starting XV for Deegan and didn’t waste it. Two tries, a cheeky keepy-uppie finish, and nearly a third with a charge down over the line. Tireless, opportunistic and excellent throughout.

7. Scott Penny – 7
Solid tackling, tidy work rate, and a 30-metre gallop up the guts when Zebre’s defence parted. Busy, if unspectacular.

8. James Culhane – 5.5
Was having a quiet game before suffering what looked like a nasty leg hyperextension after a daisy-cutter tackle from Thomas Dominguez. Subbed off early.

Replacements:

16. Bobby Sheehan – 6
Dan’s younger brother made a lively impact. One big break nearly led to a try. Plenty of promise.

17. Alex Usanov – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.

18. Andrew Sparrow – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.

19. RG Snyman – 7
A physical presence in a tetchy second half. Dropped one in his own 22 but made amends with a rumbling try on 67 minutes.

20. Ciaran Mangan – 5.5
Decent stint after being promoted to the bench but didn’t get the chance to impose himself.

21. Will Connors – 7
Brought graft and composure off the bench and finished off his try well.

22. Fintan Gunne – 6.5
Out of position on the wing but handled himself admirably. One classy high-ball take and a missed tackle late on.

23. Caspar Gabriel – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.