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Cullen Extends Leinster Contract

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen is pictured before their recent Heineken Champions Cup win away to Bath ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

The IRFU and Leinster Rugby have this morning confirmed a one-year contract extension for Leinster head coach Leo Cullen.

In May last year, Cullen signed a rolling one-year contract extension with the IRFU and Leinster Rugby, with the option to extend for a further season at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

That extension has now been agreed up to the end of the 2022/23 season.

Speaking to leinsterrugby.ie, Leinster Rugby CEO Mick Dawson said: “We offered Leo a two-year contract last year but were very happy to work with Leo to make the situation work for him.

“It was always our intention, all going well, that we would sit down again and agree to the second year and that has been the case. It has been very straight forward thankfully.

“I’d like to thank Leo for his work and his dedication and indeed thank his wife Dairine, and his wider family, for the support they give to him in allowing him to be the coach that he is.

“The job that Leo has done in his time as head coach has been excellent and he has with him, a group of coaches and staff, that contribute and drive the standards that we have here today at Leinster Rugby.

“They have created a hugely positive environment for the players over the last few years to perform to the best of their abilities.

“That continuity in our coaching team is a vital piece of the puzzle for us, as well as having someone like Leo who understands the system, our pathway and the importance of the clubs and the schools to the future success of Leinster Rugby.

“I wish Leo every success for the rest of this season and indeed the season to come.”

Cullen, who won 221 caps for Leinster and was captain of three Heineken Cup-winning squads, was appointed head coach at the start of the 2015/16 season.

The Wicklow man has led the team to a Champions Cup title and four PRO14/URC crowns in his time in charge.

IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora commented: “It’s great that Leo has again extended his contract to remain in his role with Leinster Rugby.

The combined strength of Irish Rugby lies in the cohesion and alignment we have with our provinces and with our pathways. Stability in our coaching ranks is a key part of what underpins Irish Rugby.”