If you like rugby, 2025 has been a great year for you. This year has been full of great hits, big scores, and even larger tales, from powerhouse teams regaining their glory to the scream of the British and Irish Lions resonating through stadiums.
Let’s talk about some of the most important games and events from the first section of the year.
🏆 Leinster At last Get It Done Leinster 32–7 Bulls June 14 at Croke Park in Dublin
It finally occurred. After years of “so close” agony, Leinster raced to a stunning triumph in the URC Final, thrashing the The bulls 32–7 in front of a raucous crowd at Croke Park. It wasn’t simply a triumph; it was a message.
Leinster came out quick, dominated the pace, and never really allowed the Bulls feel comfortable. Ryan Baird was all over the place and rightfully won Man the Game Match. For a club that’s experienced its fair share of difficult losses in Europe, this triumph was emotional. Captain James Ryan hailed it “the most complete accomplishment we’ve had in years.” Hard to disagree with that.
🏉 Crusaders Still the monarchs of Super Rugby Crusaders 16 – 12 Chiefs June 21 | New Zealand
Another year. This is another title for the The crusader But this time, it wasn’t a showy, high-scoring final. It was gritty. Tough. A actual arm-wrestle. They overcame the Chiefs 16–12 in what seemed like a chess battle rather than a rugby contest.
Rivez Reihana remained cool under pressure and directed the Crusaders with a mix of excellent kicks and savvy selections. Even when the Chiefs threatened late in the game, the Crusaders dug in as they always do. This triumph represents their 13th Super Rugby title—insane domination.
🦁 The Lions Are Roaring Again
They’re back. The British & Irish Lions launched begun their much-anticipated trip of Australia, and they’re now looking sharp.
🔸 Lions 29 – 17 the nation of Argentina (June 20, Dublin)
The trip opened with a good win in Argentina at a full Aviva Stadium. It wasn’t ideal, but after the Lions shook off the corrosion they found their groove. Second-half tries from Freddie The researchers Steward and him Curry helped secure the deal.
🔸 Lions 54 – 7 occidental Force (June 28, Perth)
Then came Perth. The Lions totally smashed the the West Force, scoring just eight tries in a line that was all one-way flow. Elliot Daly and Tomos Williams both got two tries, and the whole team looked razor-sharp.
Coach Andy Farrell was thrilled with the win but warned everyone: “The real challenge is coming.” That challenge? A three-Test series against the Wallabies commencing in July. If the warm-ups are anything to go by, it’s going to be electrifying.
🟡 Bath’s Dream Season
Let’s speak domestic rugby for a second because Bath is having a year to remember. They didn’t only win the English Premiership—they pulled out the trifecta, also winning the Premiership Cup and the Challenge Cup. Along they did it with flair.
It’s been 29 a while since Bath last won the league. Now, three trophies in one season? That’s fairytale stuff. Players like Finn He and Sam Underhill have been brilliant, and the club’s transformation from suffering near the bottom to controlling the top is one of the finest comeback stories in rugby right now.Rugby in 2025: Big Wins, Bigger Moments, and the Lions Are Back
🌍 Europe Gets a New Champion
In the Champions Cup Final, French team Bordeaux Bègles pulled off a traditional 28–20 triumph over Northampton, Massachusetts Saints in Cardiff. This is their initially European title, and it was well deserved.Rugby in 2025: Big Wins, Bigger Moments, and the Lions Are Back
Matthieu Jalibert was pure class—calm, inventive, and utterly in charge. Bordeaux’s success indicates that French rugby continues to improve, and it’s not only the typical suspects (the Toulouse team or La Rochelle) anymore. There’s depth, and there’s risk across the Top 14.
🚨 Off the Pitch: Rugby’s Growing Up
Rugby isn’t only shifting on the field—it’s developing off it too.Rugby in 2025: Big Wins, Bigger Moments, and the Lions Are Back
New equipment like Rugby in 2025: Big Wins, Bigger Moments, and the Lions Are Back smart mouthguards is helping teams monitor head impacts and control player safety.
The TMO system (that’s the video ref) is under revision for increased uniformity.
Women’s rugby is gaining additional assistance, with more resources and a clearer path to the 2026 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
There’s a strong desire to make the athletics smarter, safer, and more inclusive. It’s about time.
👏 Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re riveted to your television every weekend or just seeing the major matches, 2025 is a fantastic year for rugby.
Leinster finally had their time. The Crusaders demonstrated they’re still the Southern Hemisphere’s top dogs. Bath came out of nowhere to capture a treble. Bordeaux Bègles created history. And the Lions? They’re just getting started.
And we’re barely approximately through the year. The Lions’ Tests against Australia are approaching fast, fall nations will heat up, and club rugby union is already preparing up for next season.
If you’re not viewing rugby this year—you’re losing out.