Leo Cullen will continue on as Leinster head coach after penning a new two-year deal with the province.
The former player will now celebrate a decade in the role come next summer after signing himself up until the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
The 46-year-old’s previous deal had been set to conclude at the end of the current season, prompting questions over whether he was set to continue on in south Dublin.
BKT United Rugby Championship, Hive Stadium, Edinburgh 20/9/2024 Edinburgh vs Leinster Leinster head coach Leo Cullen. Pic: INPHO/Craig Watson
Cullen, who won 32 caps for Ireland and 221 caps for Leinster as a player, including captaining three Heineken Cup-winning squads, was appointed head coach in August 2015.
Success has continued as a coach, leading Leinster a Champions Cup title in 2018, as well as four Pro14 (now URC) titles.
In June 2022, he was named the URC Coach of the Year for the second time having previously won the award in 2018.
BKT United Rugby Championship, Croke Park, Dublin 12/10/2024 Leinster vs Munster Leinster’s Tadhg Furlong tackled by Stephen Archer of Munster. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Last year saw the appointment of Jacques Nienaber to the coaching ticket but the province have not claimed silverware since 2021.
‘I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to continue in my role as Head Coach of Leinster Rugby,’ the former lock said following the announcement.
‘I’d like to thank Shane Nolan and Guy Easterby of Leinster Rugby and David Humphreys of the IRFU who have all been involved throughout this process.’
Leo Cullen has been in charge of Leinster since 2015. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher
‘We are lucky to have a fantastic group of players and staff here at Leinster who I enjoy going to work with every day.
‘Everyone in the group is focused on working hard, maximising our potential and making our families, friends and supporters proud of what we do on the pitch. I’m really excited by what the future holds for us.
‘Finally, a special thanks to my wife Dairine and my own family for their continued support and for all the sacrifices they make for me.’
Leinster return to URC action following their November break with a trip up to Ulster on Friday week.
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The post Leo Cullen ends speculation over his Leinster future with new deal first appeared on Rugby 247.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2024-11-20 13:54:16
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