Gaffney returning to Leinster
Alan Gaffney’s name was today withdrawn from the running to replace Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan when it was confirmed he will return to Leinster next season.
The well-travelled Saracens director of rugby had been touted as a possible successor to O’Sullivan, who is soon expected to be dismissed by the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Gaffney steered Leinster to Celtic League success in 2002 and will replace Sydney-bound David Knox as backs coach after agreeing a two-year contract.
But he will continue to work at Saracens, who he guided to fourth place in the Guinness Premiership last season, on a part-time consultancy basis
Gaffney had already announced he would step down as Saracens boss in May with former Wallaby supremo Eddie Jones taking over at Vicarage Road.
In a further boost for Leinster, it was confirmed head coach Michael Cheika and defensive mastermind Kurt McQuilkin have signed new two-year deals.
“I will maintain an involvement with Saracens next season that will see me spending time with the club at agreed periods throughout the season,” said Gaffney.
“But the nature of the role allowed me to explore other opportunities and so I will renew my association with Leinster.
“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.”
Leinster top the Magners League by eight points with six games to go but failed to progress beyond the group stage of the Heineken Cup.
