Leo Cullen to leave Leinster head coach role at end of next season

Leo Cullen announced he will step down as Leinster head coach at the conclusion of the 2026/27 season, ending a 12-year tenure.

Cullen, who has been with the club for 32 years in various capacities since his playing days, cited the right timing for a new challenge. He has led Leinster to significant success, including a Champions Cup victory in 2018 and six United Rugby Championship (URC) titles. He also holds the distinction of being the first person to win the top European Rugby trophy as both a player and a coach.

“

By the end of next season, in 2027, I will have been in my current job for 12 years. It’ll also be 32 years since I first represented Leinster as a Schools player! So, I think the timing will be right for me to move on to a new challenge.

"By the end of next season, in 2027, I will have been in my current job for 12 years. It’ll also be 32 years since I first represented Leinster as a Schools player! So, I think the timing will be right for me to move on to a new challenge," Cullen stated. He expressed commitment to honoring his contract and looked forward to the team's move back to Laya Arena.

Leinster Rugby, in collaboration with the IRFU, has initiated a formal recruitment process to find Cullen's successor, aiming to secure the best candidate for the position.

“

Leinster Rugby, in collaboration with the IRFU, will immediately begin a formal recruitment process to ensure that the best possible candidate is secured for the position.