Leinster head coach Leo Cullen will step down at the end of the 2026/27 season, leaving a big void to fill. The province will have to weigh up the pros and cons of having each of the top coaches run things at the province. Who will replace Cullen as head coach?
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen will step down at the end of the 2026/27 season, leaving a big void to fill. Cullen has been in the job since 2015, winning 11 trophies in his 11 years at the helm.
Leinster is one of the most attractive jobs in rugby, given their place in Irish Rugby, budget, and track record of producing Test players. Cullen's departure raises some interesting possibilities about who might step into the role. One possibility is Jacques Neinaber, a South African who has been on board since 2023 as a 'senior coach'.
Nienaber has been strongly linked with a return to the Springboks when his current contract ends at the end of next season, but Cullen's news might tempt Nienaber into a longer stay. Another option is Noel McNamara, a Clare native who knows the province well. McNamara has worked his way up through the schools game, winning two Leinster Schools Senior Cups with Clongowes and coaching Leinster and Ireland schools sides.
He's since moved on to work with the Sharks in South Africa and is currently the attack coach for Bordeaux-Begles. McNamara has been key to the rise of a brilliant UBB side, who won their first Champions Cup title last year and backed it up with a dominant showing against Leinster in this year's final.
However, McNamara recently agreed a new contract extension to 2029, which could complicate any move. Other options include Ronan O'Gara, the La Rochelle boss who led his team to the Top 14 play-offs this season after a late surge, and Stuart Lancaster, who has a warmer history with Leinster and Connacht supporters will be getting chills at the very thought of losing their head coach to a team he knows so well.
Lancaster has had a huge impact at Connacht in his first season, but with his contract running until 2027, the province will hope he isn't thrown into the usual coaching merry-go-around that greets a World Cup year. Perhaps the province will look to one of Lancaster's favourite Leinster students. Johnny Sexton was central to getting the former England head coach on board at Leinster, and since retiring the former out-half has taken the first steps in his own coaching career.
Andy Farrell's respect for Sexton saw the former Leinster and Ireland captain added to the Ireland coaching team, while he also was part of Farrell's staff on last year's Lions tour. The Leinster decision makers will weigh up the pros and cons of having each of these coaches run things at the province. It's a big decision, but one that will ultimately decide the future of Leinster rugby
Please follow us on Google to support usLeinster Rugby Leo Cullen Jacques Neinaber Noel Mcnamara Ronan O'gara Stuart Lancaster Johnny Sexton
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Leo Cullen and Leinster's Trophy LegacyReflecting on Leo Cullen's enduring connection to Leinster Rugby, from his playing debut at Donnybrook to coaching the team to their latest URC triumph. He has been part of every one of Leinster's ten league titles and four European Cups, either as player or coach. After a 36-7 win over the Bulls, he recalled his journey beginning at the famous 'sandpit' pitch.
Read more »
Leo Cullen to Leave Leinster Head Coach Role at End of 2026/27 SeasonLeinster head coach Leo Cullen will leave his role at the end of the 2026/27 season, after 12 years in charge. The 48-year-old will continue to lead the team until then, before a new head coach is appointed.
Read more »
Leo Cullen announces he will leave Leinster role at end of next seasonThere is plenty of speculation on what might be next for him
Read more »
Cullen's departure sets up a Leinster/IRFU and Springboks battle for NienaberROG, Stuart Lancaster, Richie Murphy, Simon Easterby, Jake White and a host of others also in the frame
Read more »