Leo Cullen, Leinster Rugby Reach Reported Two-Year Agreement
Leo Cullen, Leinster Rugby Reach Reported Two-Year Agreement
Leo Cullen and Leinster rugby, according to Irish news outlets, have reached a two-year extension that will keep the gaffer at the Dublin club until 2027.
Leo Cullen has reached an agreement with Leinster to stay on as manager until 2027, according to reports by the42.ie and Irish Independent. The details have not been announced by the club.
Since taking over as head coach in 2015, Cullen has led the Dublin side to four United Rugby Championship titles (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), three Irish Shields (2022, 2023, 2024) and one Champions Cup trophy (2018).
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However, Cullen has been criticized by Leinster fans for taking the team to three consecutive Champions Cup finals, the last three years, while failing to bring home the title. The three-time Investec runners-up have also made it as far as the URC semifinals during the same time.
In spite of that, the 46-year-old is viewed as the best possible option for Leinster going forward.
FloRugby expert Philip Bendon explains, "Cullen is more a director of rugby who oversees everything and leaves his coaches to do the day-to-day on the pitch, technical coaching. He is perfect for Leinster as a home-grown former player and captain. The Leinster players respect him massively and even though they have lost three finals in a row, he has ensured that they are always amongst the top 2/3 teams in the world."
Bendon continues, "...plus to manage Leinster you have to deal with lots of outside noise and expectation, understand the Irish system, have contacts with the clubs and schools all the while ensuring that the first team perform. Outside of test rugby and maybe Toulouse, it is the biggest job in professional rugby."
Leinster have been in great form to start the URC season. The team is top of the table and hasn't lost a game yet. Leinster also have a +95 points differential through five games, 23 points above the next team (Glasgow Warriors, +73). Leinster play the Lions this week in the URC.
Leo Cullen, Leinster Rugby Agree To Reported Two-Year Extension
Leo Cullen is set to commit his future to Leinster until 2027 by agreeing a new two-year contract. @RuaidhriOC https://t.co/eoVAmSajAR
— Irish Independent Sport (@IndoSport) October 21, 2024
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Friday, Octobter 25
- 2:35 p.m. - Benetton vs Vodacom Bulls - Stadio Monigo
- 2:35 p.m. - Scarlets vs Zebre Parma - Parc y Scarlets
Saturday, October 26
- 7:45 a.m. - DHL Stormers vs Glasgow Warriors - Danie Craven Stadium
- 10:00 a.m. - Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Munster - Hollywoodbets Kings Park
- 10:00 a.m. - Ospreys vs Edinburgh - Dunraven Brewery Field
- 12:15 p.m. - Leinster vs Emirates Lions - Aviva Stadium
- 2:35 p.m. - Connacht vs Dragons - Dexcom Stadium
- 2:35 p.m. - Cardiff Rugby vs Ulster - Cardiff Arms Park
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