Leinster forced to switch off social media comments after personal attacks on players

"I would hate to see the reaction if we lost a game."

Leinster rugby turned off the comments under a post on X and Instagram following their Champions Cup win over Bath at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

Marcus Ó Buachalla, Head of Communications & Media with Leinster Rugby and GAA, explained on X:

"For the first time since 2015, we’ve turned comments off some of our posts on Leinster Rugby.

"I would hate to see the reaction if we lost a game. Or if our Head Coach didn’t look after the wellbeing of players under his care in team selection. Anyway. We go again

The post in question was celebrating replacement out-half Ross Byrne winning his 50th European cap for his team.

Byrne is often subjected to unwarranted criticism despite leading Leinster to multiple Champions Cup finals in what is a pivotal position.

He also garnered huge praise from Ronan O'Gara last season after the Blues demolished La Rochelle.

Under his tweet, Ó Buachalla gave more insight into the situation.

One user responded: "Well ..robbing munster player..mr barrett joining..2 early tries by bath..i think there is pressure to win all. No pressure then.."

To which Ó Buachalla replied: "If by robbing you mean signing a player released, then yes. And having released three NIQ players, we signed three NIQ players. But no. More so personal attacks on players and coaches in the lead up to and on match days. Pressure is fine. Abuse. Not so much."

Another wrote: "Hate to say this Marcus but maybe it’s time for Leinster to get off Twitter/X - it’s become absolutely toxic and there appears to be little or no control from the owners"

Ó Buachalla said: "TBF Miriam - while it’s bad, Insta just as bad and getting worse. It’s just the world we live in maybe. But that doesn’t make it any easier to take/see."

Leinster will host Harlequins in early April in their round of 16 clash.