Leo Cullen to leave Leinster with recruitment process underway

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has announced that he will leave the club at the end of his contract next season.

The announcement has come just days after Cullen guided Leinster to back-to-back United Rugby Championship titles with a 36-7 victory over the Bulls at Croke Park.

Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan has said that the recruitment process has already begun to find Cullen’s successor after spending 11 years at the helm of the province.

Cullen’s position has come under scrutiny this season after Leinster’s Investec Champions Cup final defeat to Bordeaux-Begles – their fourth in the last five years.

In a statement shared by the club, Cullen hinted that new players will “potentially be coming in” for the URC champions.

Fixture

Nations Championship

Australia

31 - 33

Full-time

Ireland

All Stats and Data

“By the end of next season, in 2027, I will have been in my current job for 12 years,” Cullen said. “It’ll also be 32 years since I first represented Leinster as a Schools player! So, I think the timing will be right for me to move on to a new challenge.

“I managed 10 years as a player on different Leinster teams before moving to Leicester in 2005 and then returning to Leinster in 2007 to go on to experience some of the most amazing days imaginable.

“As many of you will know, I’m committed to Leinster up until the end of next season, and I intend to honour my contract, as I always have done.

“We’re moving back to Laya Arena at the start of next season, and we can’t wait for that homecoming. We also have players leaving Leinster and other players who’ll potentially be coming in. So, I think it’s good to have continuity and certainty heading into the summer.

“We have a fantastic group of coaches, staff and players here and I know the club will do everything to ensure continuity and stability – two cornerstones of Leinster Rugby.

“I want to thank the Leinster Professional Game Board, in particular Shane Nolan, Guy Easterby and Frank Doherty, for their support throughout this process and indeed during my time as Leinster Head Coach.

“And to my family, friends and all Leinster supporters, a huge thanks also.”

Nolan added: “I would like to thank Leo for everything he has done as the head coach of Leinster Rugby, his achievements in the role speak for themselves, including winning seven trophies in 11 years, culminating in a brilliant URC Grand Final win at Croke Park last Friday. Leo has been a great player, coach and leader for Leinster and will always be held in the highest regard by anyone that has ever been fortunate enough to work with him.

“Leo and his coaching team are already well advanced in their planning for the new season and will continue to drive the high standards that have been a hallmark of his time as head coach and has seen Leinster consistently competing for trophies season after season. I am sure all Leinster supporters will join me in celebrating Leo and his achievements throughout his final year in charge.

“We have begun the process to recruit our new head coach and will work to ensure that we secure the best possible candidate to continue the success of Leinster Rugby.”