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Josh Van der Flier discusses the impending departure of head coach Leo Cullen after the 2026/27 season and the team's commitment to winning major titles as a farewell gift.
Leinster Rugby is preparing for a significant transition as the province gears up for the final season under the leadership of long-serving head coach Leo Cullen.
It has been confirmed that Cullen will step down from his role at the conclusion of the 2026/27 season, marking the end of a transformative twelve-year tenure. Josh Van der Flier, a key figure in the Leinster squad, recently shared his thoughts on the news during a promotional event for the team's new kit.
The flanker admitted to being surprised when he first learned of the decision, though he had a brief conversation with Cullen a few days before the official announcement in June. Van der Flier reflected on the longevity of Cullen's influence, noting that he had been part of the setup for nearly as long as he had been involved with the province, making the prospect of his departure a poignant moment for the entire organization.
The Leinster squad is now focused on ensuring that Cullen exits the stage on a high note. For many of the players, the knowledge that this will be their coach's final year serves as a powerful motivational tool. While the team's goals generally remain consistent from season to season, there is an added emotional layer to the upcoming campaign.
Van der Flier emphasized that the players feel a collective responsibility to reward Cullen for his immense service to the club, both as a player and a coach. The objective is to secure major silverware, providing a fitting conclusion to a career defined by excellence and loyalty. This drive is expected to permeate the training ground and the matchday atmosphere as the team seeks to honor a man who has become synonymous with the modern era of Leinster rugby.
Reflecting on Cullen's coaching style, Van der Flier highlighted the bravery and foresight that have characterized his leadership. One of the most prominent examples of this courage was during the 2016 Champions Cup victory against Bath, where Cullen entrusted a remarkably young squad to lead the way. At the time, Van der Flier was only twenty-one years old and part of a starting lineup where eight players were between the ages of twenty and twenty-four.
This willingness to trust youth and innovate has been a hallmark of Cullen's tenure. Furthermore, the flanker praised Cullen's humility and self-awareness, noting that the coach frequently brought in high-profile specialists to handle specific areas of the game, prioritizing the team's success over his own ego. By facilitating a collaborative coaching environment, Cullen ensured that the province remained at the cutting edge of professional rugby.
Despite the numerous successes, including the defense of the United Rugby Championship title, Cullen's time has not been without its challenges. The elusive European Champions Cup remains the ultimate goal, and the province has suffered five heartbreaking final losses since their last triumph in 2018. Such consistency in reaching the final stages is an achievement in itself, yet it has often left Cullen as the primary target for public and media criticism.
Van der Flier observed that Cullen possesses a remarkable ability to absorb this pressure, often taking the blame for narrow defeats or unfortunate moments on the pitch to shield his players from the fallout. This protective nature and willingness to stand in the line of fire have earned him deep respect within the dressing room. As the final season approaches, the players are determined to alleviate that pressure by delivering the trophy that has remained just out of reach.
The legacy of Leo Cullen at Leinster is one of stability, growth, and unwavering ambition. He has steered the province through various cycles of player development and tactical evolutions, maintaining a standard of excellence that few other clubs in the world can match. While the transition to a new head coach will inevitably bring a period of change, the foundation laid by Cullen is robust.
The current squad views the remaining time with their mentor as a precious opportunity to achieve a final crowning glory. By combining their professional ambitions with a personal desire to see their coach succeed, Leinster hopes to turn the 2026/27 season into a historic celebration of one of the most influential figures in the history of the province
Leinster Rugby Leo Cullen Josh Van Der Flier Champions Cup United Rugby Championship
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