Leo Cullen confirmed as permanent Leinster head coach
As was widely expected, Leo Cullen has been given the role of Leinster head coach on a permanent basis.
Leinster Rugby and the IRFU announced this morning they have given Cullen a two-year deal in charge of the province.
Cullen had been in the role on an interim basis since the departure of Matt O’Connor at the end of last season.
"We are delighted that Leo has agreed to become our Head Coach and to continue an association with Leinster Rugby that started back in 1995 with the schools team,” Leinster Rugby CEO Mick Dawson said.
“We are all very much looking forward to the next two years under his tutelage."
Leinster Rugby and the IRFU have today announced Leo Cullen as the province's new head coach: http://t.co/vgi4mnnP63 pic.twitter.com/5kDkP3DLwW
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) August 19, 2015
Cullen won 221 caps for Leinster and is a three-time Heineken Cup winning captain with the province.
"Leo's status as a player is beyond question,” Dawson continued. “He is second only to Gordon D'Arcy in terms of senior appearances and he was an outstanding captain and leader on the pitch.
“Over the last 12 months or so in his capacity with the forwards and indeed over the pre-season as interim Head Coach, Leo has continued to impress everyone at Leinster with his tactical and strategic direction."
CONFIRMED Leo Cullen is @leinsterrugby new coach on a 2 year deal. Congrats and best of luck
— Oisin Langan (@oisinlangan) August 19, 2015
Leo Cullen's first game in charge will be Friday's pre-season friendly against Ulster Rugby in the Kingspan Stadium, while his first competitive fixture is away to Edinburgh Rugby in the Guinness PRO12 on Friday September 4.
