Leinster: Leo Cullen inks new two-year extension at United Rugby Championship giants

Adam Kyriacou
Leinster coach Leo Cullen looks on before a clash.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract at the United Rugby Championship side, it was announced on Monday.

Cullen, who ran out 221 times for Leinster as a player, as well as winning 32 caps for Ireland in his playing career, has been head coach since August 2015.

The former captain retired from the playing field back in 2014 after a hugely successful period, with his coaching journey having been equally impressive.

Done a remarkable job

He led Leinster to a Champions Cup title in 2018 and to four PRO14/URC wins. In June 2022, he was named URC Coach of the Year for the second time.

“This is great news for all Leinster Rugby supporters,” Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan told the province’s website after the fresh deal was announced.

“Since 2015, Leo has done a remarkable job as head coach of Leinster Rugby and securing his signature was one of my top priorities.

“The consistency and the leadership he displayed as a player, we see again as head coach in keeping Leinster Rugby competitive season after season.

“And he does that by surrounding himself with good people and by trusting the player pathway and the from the ground up model that we have developed here in Leinster through our clubs and our schools.

“I am delighted that he has agreed to stay on and I wish him all the very best for the run of games that we have left this season and for the two seasons beyond that.

“It’s an exciting time ahead and I am delighted that Leo is with us to drive the club forward.”

14 wins from 14 in URC

Cullen‘s side are sitting pretty at the top of the URC standings with a record of 14 wins out of 14 and have also made it to the Champions Cup Round of 16.

“It is a great honour for me to be asked to extend my time at Leinster Rugby. I feel very fortunate to able to work with such a brilliant group of people here,” Cullen said about his new deal.

“Many thanks to Shane Nolan, Guy Easterby and the Leinster Professional Game Board along with David Nucifora from the IRFU for their continued support and backing of me through this process. Also to my family and friends, who only show me love and support, thank you for all the sacrifices you make.

“We are entering a really exciting period of the season and we are all focused on delivering our best in front of lots of people who have backed us all through our careers.”

IRFU Performance Director, David Nucifora, added: “The province is starting a new chapter next season with the loss of some influential voices in their environment, so it was important that Leo agreed to sign on for a further two years.

“He is a driving force behind a lot of the good work that goes on at Leinster and the stability and insight he brings will enable Leinster to transition successfully while also continuing to compete for honours and bring through new talent.”

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