Leo Cullen appointed Leinster head coach

Cullen certainly didn’t expect to find himself as head coach at this early point in his new career, but Leinster are confident that the Wicklow man was the ideal candidate to succeed O’Connor.

“Special people do special things and he’s been an outstanding leader for Leinster”, said Sexton when Cullen’s inexperience as a coach was put to him.

Kevin McLaughlin, who has 114 caps for Leinster since his debut in April 2007, has captained the province in the past and led the team out against Edinburgh and Benetton Treviso in last season’s GUINNESS PRO12.

The 37-year-old was somewhat of a left-field choice to replace Matt O’Connor, with whom he had worked as a forwards coach last season, but the former Leinster player has signed a two-year deal to take charge of the province. “I’m excited about the challenge, it’s a place I’ve been very passionate about and I’m just looking forward to getting going”, he said.

Girvan Dempsey is in on a short term contract as backs coach until after the Rugby World Cup.

Leinster Rugby CEO Mick Dawson has given a number of reasons for appointing the three-time European Cup victor to the role.

Byrne gave his reaction to news of the appointment to 98FM sport on Wednesday afternoon, he believes Leinster have made the right call: “We always seem to forget that at this stage, in the players eyes he’s probably seen as an old bloke He’s been around for so long”.

Cullen had been working in the role of interim coach since the departure of O’Connor at the tail end of last season and believes he can have a positive impact as head coach. “The process included the input of all relevant stakeholders, and ultimately Leo was the best candidate that we interviewed”.

“His spirit, his passion, his knowledge of the Leinster set up there’s no settling in time now it’s just continuing as was”. His first home game will be the Bank of Ireland pre-season friendly against Moseley RFC in Donnybrook Stadium on Friday, 28th August at 7.30pm.

“I am sure I echo everyone’s sentiments when I wish Leo and the lads the very best of luck over the coming season”.