Noel McNamara confirmed as Leo Cullen's successor at Leinster

Leinster have confirmed that Bordeaux Begles attack coach Noel McNamara will return to the province next season to replace head coach Leo Cullen, who announced in June that he will stand down when his contract runs out next summer.

It emerged over the weekend that 43-year-old McNamara, who spent five years at Leinster in several roles, including Leinster ‘A’ head coach and academy manager, before moving to South Africa in 2021 to become the Sharks’ backs and attack coach, was the favourite for the job.

Leinster moved for McNamara, who moved to Bordeaux three years ago, where he has helped mastermind back-to-back Champions Cups, and they have twice been runners-up in the Top 14 after failing to lure Felipe Contepomi away from his job with Argentina.

Cullen has led Leinster to six league titles and the Champions Cup in 2018, but his side subsequently lost four finals in the last five years in the competition and five in total since moving into the hotseat in 2015.

McNamara admits that it’s an honour to be given the chance to take one of the biggest coaching jobs in world rugby but has vowed to fully focus on Bordeaux until next summer.

“I am delighted that I am returning to Leinster Rugby as head coach in 2027. This is one of the most prestigious roles in world rugby, and it is an honour to be given this responsibility.

“I am very grateful to UBB and in particular Laurent Marti and Yannick Bru for supporting me in availing of this opportunity.

“We have a very exciting season ahead with UBB, and I am fully focused on that before moving back to Leinster next summer.”

Shane Nolan, Leinster’s chief executive, said: “Noel has a long association with the club and emerged as our preferred candidate very early in the process. His transition into the role will be seamless, and we look forward to welcoming him here next July after this season reaches its conclusion.”

The IRFU’s performance director, David Humphreys, said McNamara, who led Ireland to the Under-20s Six Nations Grand Slam in 2019, has a “deep understanding of Irish rugby”.

“Noel brings a wealth of coaching experience, strong leadership qualities and a proven track record of developing players and coaching successful teams,” Humphreys said.

“I’m looking forward to working with him to ensure Leinster’s continued success, while supporting the development of players for the Ireland national team.”