Leinster statement: Leo Cullen explains latest contract extension

Leo Cullen has ended his cycle of one-year rolling deals at Leinster, committing to a two-year extension that will see him in charge at the Irish club until the summer of 2025. With senior coach Stuart Lancaster already confirmed as the new Racing director of rugby for 2023/24, there was speculation that head coach Cullen might also be on his way out.

However, that notion has now been put to bed with the coach signing on for another two years. A statement read: “The IRFU and Leinster Rugby have confirmed a two-year contract for Leinster Rugby head coach Leo Cullen. Cullen, who won 221 caps for Leinster as a player as well as 32 caps for Ireland, has been head coach since August 2015.

“Having captained three Heineken Cup-winning squads, Cullen retired from playing at the end of the 2013/14 season by winning a PRO12 title in his final game at the RDS Arena against Glasgow Warriors. He was initially appointed as forwards coach that summer under Matt O’Connor before being appointed head coach a year later.

“Cullen has led Leinster to a Champions Cup title in 2018 and to four PRO14/URC victories during his tenure. In June 2022, he was named the United Rugby Championship coach of the year for the second time having previously won the award in 2018.”

Cullen said: “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. 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 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.”

New Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan said: “This is great news for all Leinster supporters. Since 2015, Leo has done a remarkable job as head coach and securing his signature was one of my top priorities.

“He surrounds himself with good people and trusts the player pathway that we have developed here in Leinster through our clubs and our schools. I’m 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.”