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Cullen And Caputo Added To Leinster’s Coaching Staff

As well as announcing the signing of Australian lock Kane Douglas today, Leinster have confirmed some notable changes to their coaching set-up for next season.

The province’s head coach Matt O’Connor, who is currently preparing for Saturday week’s RaboDirect PRO12 final, said: “We can formally confirm Leo Cullen’s role as our forwards coach from July 1.

“Leo will bring a huge amount to Leinster Rugby as a coach and will continue the excellent work that Jono Gibbes has done over the last six seasons. As a three-time winning Heineken Cup captain he already commands the respect of the players and that won’t change.”

O’Connor also confirmed on the Leinster website that Richie Murphy has signed a new deal with the province as assistant coach, with responsibility for skills & kicking. Murphy will also be seconded on a regular basis to the Irish Rugby Football Union in a similar role.

Murphy joined the Leinster senior set-up as skills & kicking coach in June 2010 having previously worked as a Rugby Development Officer and Elite Player Development Officer for the province.

“Richie has made a significant contribution to Leinster Rugby over a number of years. In his time with the senior squad in the last four seasons, he has developed into a top class coach at this level and I look forward to continuing to work with him,” added O’Connor.

Finally, Marco Caputo will be joining Leinster as scrum coach from July 1. The former hooker, who won five caps for Australia between 1996 and 1997, made a name for himself with the ACT Brumbies and also lined out for Montferrand and Harlequins, amongst other clubs, during his time playing in Europe.

O’Connor explained: “I’ve known Marco for a long time and have been impressed by the work he has been doing at the various clubs that he has coached.

“When you look at our squad we have a great cross section of experience and youth in the front row who have all developed under the tutelage of Greg Feek, and who are all eager to improve and challenge themselves further at the highest level.”