Four-time European champions Leinster, who topped the United Rugby Championship table, came out on top in their domestic quarter-final against Cell C Sharks 35-5 as they hunt for a ninth domestic title since the compostion of the league in 2001.

Three tries in a ten-minute spell during the first half from EPCR Player of the Year nominee Caelan Doris, Michael Milne and Jordan Lamour – all three converted by Ross Byrne – set the platform for the hosts as they led 21-5 at the interval.

Max Deegan and Jamison Gibson-Park added further tries in the second period as Leinster extended their lead to 30 – Byrne successful from the tee twice more to take his personal tally to 10. They’ve set up a URC semi-final with Munster Rugby at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday.

Meanwhile, Stade Rochelais moved back to the summit of the TOP 14 with a 23-8 win over EPCR Challenge Cup finalists RC Toulon at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille.

The defending Heineken Champions Cup winners notched a pair of tries in the contest, Will Skelton crossing the whitewash in the first period before Kyle Hatherall added a second with seven minutes remaining in the second half.

Antony Hastoy added 13 points from the tee – two penalties and three conversions. La Rochelle have a date with Montpellier Hérault Rugby next Saturday before travelling to Ireland for the May 20 final.

Heineken Champions Cup finalists Leinster Rugby and Stade Rochelais continued their preparations for the Saturday, May 20 showpiece finale at the Aviva Stadium with victories in their respective domestic competitions.