Two more years as Leinster head coach for Cullen

WICKLOW’S Leo Cullen will remain on as Leinster head coach for the next two years.

After a season that finished with semi-final defeats in both the Champions Cup and Guinness PRO12, the former Ireland international will remain on and it was also confirmed that Senior Coach Stuart Lancaster as well as Assistant Coaches Girvan Dempsey and John Fogarty, have been retained.

“I think Leo deserves enormous credit for the way he has stepped up to the mark over the last two seasons,” said Leinster rugby CEO Mick Dawson.

“There have of course been challenges and disappointments but already in his short career as Head Coach he has led Leinster to a Guinness PRO12 Final and to successive top two regular season finishes.

“He has led the club to the last four of the Champions Cup this season, having already finished top of the pool and they went very close to reaching a first Champions Cup Final since 2012.

“We are delighted to have secured his services for another two seasons.”

Dawson also confirmed the retention of Lancaster, Dempsey and Fogarty as key components in Cullen’s coaching team with all three retaining the same titles as before.

“Stuart has had a huge impact on this club since his arrival in early September and he brings with him a wealth of experience both on and off the field that has helped Leo and the other coaches and players massively. His dedication to the Leinster cause is there for all to see and he has been welcomed with open arms by everyone at the club.

“Girvan and John are a big part of what has made this Leinster team tick this season and in particular the performances of the younger players.

Finally, Mick Dawson also confirmed that Head Analyst Emmet Farrell would now also be taking on the role of Kicking Coach.