LEINSTER HAVE TODAY ended weeks of speculation with the announcement of Matt O’Connor as their new head coach for the next three seasons.
The Amlin Challenge Cup finalists were forced into searching for a new coach when Joe Schmidt was targeted by the IRFU to end his Leinster connection a year early in order to replace Declan Kidney.
The Leicester Tigers coach carries a respected reputation for expansive rugby. Little wonder then, he is looking forward to taking over the three-time Heineken Cup champions.
“I am delighted to join Leinster.” O’Connor said in a statement released today. “The playing staff, coaching team and facilities are first class and I have been hugely encouraged by the hunger within the province to push on despite enjoying an unprecedented period of success on the field in recent years.
“I look forward to working with the province’s established and burgeoning talent from the renowned Leinster Academy and I am also pleased to work with the current coaching team who have played such a key part in the province’s success over the last four years.”
The eastern province’s CEO Mick Dawson, added:
“Matt joins Leinster with an impressive pedigree under his belt at club level with the Brumbies – who were Provincial champions in 2006 – and Leicester Tigers – who have boasted the league’s best defensive record (in 2009-10) and most tries scored (between 2008-13) – during his time on their coaching team.
“We were impressed by Matt’s vision for Leinster Rugby and speaking to him it is clear that he is excited about the opportunity.”
The business end
Before the Australian comes through the gates at UCD, his fellow antipodean Schmidt still has a potential three games remaining with Leinster – all at the RDS – before he has to hand over the reins to O’Connor.
And both parties were keen to stress that their focus remains on the business end of the season, with Dawson saying:
“We’re still in contention for three trophies, the Amlin Challenge Cup, PRO12 and British & Irish Cup, and all of our focus will be on trying to end the season on a high in all three competitions.”
