Leo Cullen 'completely, 100 per cent' understands Leinster fan frustration

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen concedes that he “understands” the frustration with his coaching regime a week on from his side’s exit from the Investec Champions Cup at the hands of Northampton Saints.

Leinster’s 76-5 URC dismantling of Zebre at the Aviva Stadium certainly restored some order on the scoreboard.

With nine of their 2025 Lions involved, the men in blue produced a dominant response to their European exit as they ran in 12 tries against the Italian outfit. Ronan Kelleher, Luke McGrath, Ryan Baird, Jordie Barrett (2), James Lowe, Sam Prendergast, Josh van der Flier, Jamie Osborne (2), Ciaran Frawley, and James Culhane all crossed for the home side. Gonzalo Garcia grabbed a late consolation for Zebre, but the 71-point margin set a new URC record.

Despite the display, much of the post-match press conference was centred around a rough week for the Irish province behind the scenes. Indeed, it was a week in which Cullen faced unprecedented flak, both in the press and from angry Leinster fans.

Criticism came not just because of the result, but for his team selection and for the growing sense that a squad stacked with internationals had once again come up short when it truly mattered. Cullen has steered Leinster to three successive Champions Cup final losses, yet the intensity of scrutiny directed at the 47-year-old following their latest disappointment went far further this time round.

“It’s part of the job. I understand there’s frustration there. Absolutely. Completely 100 per cent understand,” said Cullen after the game.

“There’s expectation on this team, which is great, which has built up over a period of time.

“Listen, I’ve said this here before, I’ve so much internal pressure that I would deliver what’s best for the team, so nothing has changed in that regard.

“If a result goes well, if a result goes badly, I don’t think I change my stance greatly, sitting in this chair.

“It’s part and parcel of the job. I understand it 100 per cent. It’s just making sure we do what’s best for the group and continue to push forward. In these times, that’s real leadership, and we see that character in the group and we all need to display that, and I need to set the standard in displaying that.”