Leinster Rugby issue update on Leo Cullen’s successor
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Successor.
Leinster Rugby have provided a significant update on their search for Leo Cullen’s successor, revealing they have already attracted interest from a number of high-profile candidates.
Cullen will bring his long reign as Leinster head coach to an end following the 2026/27 season, leaving the province with the considerable task of identifying their next leader.
However, the lengthy notice period means Leinster are in no hurry to make an appointment.
Chief executive Shane Nolan has now shed some light on how the process is developing, revealing the province have been encouraged by the response since Cullen’s departure was announced.
“We’ve been incredibly impressed with the calibre of people who have been interested since the news broke,” Nolan said at an event at the recently renovated Laya Arena.
“It’s a very, very high calibre of people who are being considered or being talked to or have expressed interest in the role.”
Rather than immediately drawing up a shortlist based on reputation, Leinster have initially concentrated on establishing exactly what they want from their next head coach.
Nolan explained that these criteria will shape the recruitment process as it develops.
“I’m not going to discuss any individuals, but the real focus was making sure we had full alignment on the criteria, and that drove the process – and that is driving the process from now.”
One factor which could significantly widen Leinster’s options is the timing of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The tournament takes place shortly before the beginning of the 2027/28 club season, meaning some potential candidates could still be involved with international teams when Leinster begin life after Cullen.
That will not automatically remove them from consideration.
Asked whether coaches involved at the World Cup could still land the job, Nolan said:
“Nobody’s ruled out, no.”
Former Leinster player and coach Felipe Contepomi is currently in charge of Argentina, while Ronan O’Gara’s name has inevitably been mentioned externally following his hugely successful spell with La Rochelle.
Leinster, however, are refusing to be drawn on individual names at this stage.
The province instead have the luxury of time following Cullen’s decision to announce his departure more than a year in advance.
“The good thing is Leo’s given us over 12 months’ notice, so that gives us great comfort,” Nolan said.
“It’s an opportunity now to bring in an excellent head coach for the next phase. We don’t have to rush any decision here; we can take our time. We’re focusing on getting the absolute best person for the job.”
Nolan is working on the appointment alongside chief operating officer Guy Easterby and Frank Doherty, head of Leinster’s professional game board, with IRFU performance director David Humphreys also involved in discussions.
The eventual appointment could also have implications for the make-up of Leinster’s wider coaching ticket.
Jacques Nienaber remains a hugely influential figure within the current set-up, but decisions around the senior coach and the structure surrounding Cullen’s successor will be handled separately from the search for the new head coach.
For now, Leinster’s message is clear: there is significant interest, there is no need to rush, and the province is willing to consider candidates whose existing commitments could extend all the way to the 2027 World Cup.
After more than a decade under Cullen, Leinster appear determined to use that time to ensure they get one of the most important appointments in their recent history right.
