Leinster have announced that Leo Cullen has agreed to become the club’s new head coach.
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The former Ireland global succeeds Matt O’Connor who left the job after the Irish province’s disappointing campaign last season. He has really driven the environment during the pre-season and he is a great role model for the younger players and indeed the wider squad. “He is selfless, puts team first and is always driving his own standards as well as the standards of those around him”.
Cullen has been an established Leinster player, earning 221 caps and captaining the side to three Heineken Cup titles.
Because of his limited coaching experience, this opportunity has come Cullen’s way earlier than he may have expected.
Byrne gave his reaction to news of the appointment to 98FM sport on Wednesday afternoon, he believes Leinster have made the right call: “We always seem to forget that at this stage, in the players eyes he’s probably seen as an old bloke He’s been around for so long”.
“He is second only to Gordon D’Arcy in terms of senior appearances and he was an outstanding captain and leader on the pitch”, added Dawson.
Cullen will be assisted by defence coach Kurt McQuilkin, who returns to a role he previously held with the province under Michael Cheika.
Girvan Dempsey will take temporary responsibility for backs coaching until the autumn, when Richie Murphy will rejoin the province as skills and kicking coach after Ireland’s involvement in the World Cup.
Josh van der Flier, who played six times for Leinster last season while still in the Academy starts at openside, while Clontarf’s Tony Ryan starts at number eight.
“I am sure I echo everyone’s sentiments when I wish Leo and the lads the very best of luck over the coming season”.
His first home game will be the Bank of Ireland pre-season friendly against Moseley RFC in Donnybrook Stadium on Friday, 28 August at 7.30pm.
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His first competitive game will be away to Edinburgh in the Pro12 on 4 September.
