Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy was an unlikely source of inspiration for Bordeaux Begles as they defended their Champions Cup crown by beating Leinster on Saturday.

McIlroy cemented his spot amongst golf’s greats by becoming just the sixth player to complete a Career Grand Slam after winning the Masters in 2025.

The Holywood native joined another exclusive club last month following further Masters glory at Augusta, joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods in collecting back-to-back green jackets.

Many athletes have openly used McIlroy’s story as a source of motivation and Bordeaux are the latest example with their unwillingness to settle for one European triumph inspired by the 37-year-old.

placeholder image — Rory McIlroy celebrates winning his second Masters title. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Bordeaux won the Champions Cup for the first time in their history last year after beating Northampton Saints – and were even more convincing in Bilbao on Saturday, sweeping Leinster aside 41-19.

With Irishman Noel McNamara in charge of Bordeaux’s scintillating attack, he was well aware of McIlroy’s journey and used it to spur his side on to further success.

"We spoke about Rory McIlroy in the lead-up to the quarter-final against Toulouse," McNamara told the BBC's Rugby Union Weekly podcast. "There's a beautiful ad that said good players want one Green Jacket and really good players want two, and we've got fantastic players.

"That's what makes the game of rugby wonderful. They made a decision that one isn't enough.

"The challenge for us now is we're a young club, we're a new club and it's continuing to set that standard."

After completing his set of major championships, McIlroy was driven to “prove that last year wasn’t a fluke” when he teed off at the Masters again this year – ultimately finishing one shot ahead of Scottie Scheffler.

"My parting message last year was 'I can't wait to come back next year and put the green jacket on myself',” he said at the presentation. "I wasn't quite correct, because the chairman did it, but I did want to come back and prove that last year wasn't a fluke.

"This is an absolutely incredible golf tournament, so unique in so many ways.

"The Masters continues to be the shining light of the majors, and I'm so honoured and thrilled to win for the second time."