Leinster confirm Gaffney coup

Leinster Rugby have announced that Alan Gaffney will join the province next season, with Michael Cheika and Kurt McQuilkin also agreeing contract extensions.

Leinster Rugby have announced that Alan Gaffney will be joining the province next season, with Michael Cheika and Kurt McQuilkin also agreeing two-year contract extensions.

Saracens Director of Rugby, Gaffney, who was touted as a possible Ireland candidate should Eddie O'Sullivan's position become available, is to coach the Magners League leaders' backline – with David Knox returning to his native Sydney at the end of the season.

However, Gaffney will continue his affiliation with the Guinness Premiership outfit on a part-time consultancy role when former Australia boss Eddie Jones takes over the Saracens reins.

Gaffney is no stranger to Leinster having coached the side from 2000-2002, and he will be reporting to head coach Cheika from early August.

“As has always been the case, I will maintain an involvement with Saracens next season that will see me spending time with the club at agreed periods throughout the season,” Gaffney said.

“But the nature of the role allowed me to explore other opportunities and this will see me renew an association with the Irish based province.

“I'll also be renewing an old friendship with Michael Cheika – someone I first coached at the Randwick club in 1985. Eddie Jones, myself and Michael are all from the same club and there is a close relationship between all three of us.

“From a personal perspective, this is a good scenario for me and everything has worked out well. I really enjoyed the lifestyle when I lived in Ireland and that was another factor in making the decision. I'm very much looking forward to both roles.”

Elsewhere, Bristol assistant coach Paul Hull has signed a new contract, which keeps him at the Guinness Premiership club until 2011.

Hull, who played for the club between 1987 and 1999, helped turn Bristol's defence into the best in the league last season.

“Hully has been a huge part of what we've achieved in the past three seasons,” said head coach Richard Hill.

“He is becoming an outstanding coach and one whom I am delighted to work with.”