LEINSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that head coach Leo Cullen and the rest of the province’s coaching ticket have signed new contracts ahead of the 2017/18 season.
Cullen will remain in charge of Leinster for the next two seasons while senior coach Stuart Lancaster, scrum coach John Fogarty and backs coach Girvan Dempsey have all been retained.
In his two years at the helm, Cullen guided Leinster to the Guinness Pro12 play-offs in consecutive seasons and this term presided over their return to the Champions Cup semi-finals after a disastrous first European campaign.
It was reported as far back as April that an announcement was forthcoming so today’s news will come as a relief to supporters.
“I think Leo deserves enormous credit for the way he has stepped up to the mark over the last two seasons,” Leinster CEO Mick Dawson said.
“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.”
The retention of Lancaster, in particular, is a major fillip for the province with the former England head coach making a major impact at the club since his arrival last summer.
Lancaster, Fogarty and Dempsey, who had been linked with a move to France, will all remain in the same roles going forward.
“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,” Dawson added.
“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. They are of course former Leinster players themselves who understand the club but they have also worked a lot with these young players over the years in their previous roles with the Leinster Academy.”
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