Five options that could replace Leo Cullen as Leinster head coach, including World Rugby Hall of Famer
Leo Cullen has announced that he will step down as head coach of Leinster after the 2027 campaign.
The former Ireland international will depart the province after 12 years in charge, in which he has led them to six league titles, including this season, along with a Champions Cup in 2018.
However, Cullen has failed to add a fifth European title to the club’s trophy cabinet, and this failure, despite having incredible resources at the Irish province, has led to some criticism and questions around his future.
Now the 32-cap Ireland international has taken the decision to step down, and it has led to speculation about who could replace him, with there being five high-profile names already linked to the position.
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Ronan O’Gara
The current La Rochelle head coach has been a name touted by many in recent days to replace Cullen, particularly after Andy Farrell’s decision to extend his contract with Ireland.
Roan O’Gara had been viewed as the favourite to replace Farrell as head coach of the national team after the 2027 World Cup; however, the decision by the IRFU to extend the Englishman’s contract ended this speculation.
Now, he has been linked to Leinster, with it being seen as a stepping stone to the Ireland job in 2031.
There is no doubt about why he has been considered for this role, given the work he has done with the Top 14 side, where he guided them to two Champions Cups.
Yet, there are some serious doubts that need to be addressed, including the rivalry he has forged against Leinster in his playing days with Munster and his coaching career with La Rochelle.
O’Gara, a proud Munster man, would have to trade the red for blue to take control of the four-time Champions Cup winners while also denying Leinster the chance to win this competition on three occasions, twice of these coming in the final.
The World Rugby Hall of Famer's contract with La Rochelle is set to end in 2027, so this has made it possible, but will he be willing to join a long-term rival?
Joe Schmidt
The New Zealander has been linked with a return to the Irish province where he made his name on the biggest stage as he won the Champions Cup in 2011 and 2012.
Joe Schmidt will be without a role after this summer, when he will step down from his role as Australia's head coach to be replaced by Les Kiss, and so it may be perfect timing to make a return to Ireland.
He was the catalyst for much of the success Ireland have experienced in the modern era, helping develop the Leinster side, bringing through youthful talent from the province to represent Ireland before he would take on the national role and make them the best in the world according to rankings.
As Leinster looks for a refresh, they may turn to the man who brought about their modern era, and as he has evolved with the sport in his roles at New Zealand and Australia, he may be the perfect man to help Leinster.
Stuart Lancaster
Another option would be for Leinster to turn to a former coach who was pivotal in their last Champions Cup success in 2018.
Stuart Lancaster made Leinster one of the most entertaining and exciting attacking teams in Europe during his tenure as attack coach for the province.
While he is currently doing fantastic work at Irish rival Connacht, the former England head coach could be tempted back to Leinster for the head coach role as his contract with his current side ends in 2027, too.
The IRFU would be hopeful he would continue his role with Connacht, as he is slowly building them into a fine URC team that is capable of qualifying for the Champions Cup regularly.
Scott Robertson
The former New Zealand and Crusaders head coach has been without a role for the past few months after being removed from his position with the All Blacks.
Scott Robertson struggled in this role with New Zealand, leading to them believing they needed to go in a different direction ahead of the World Cup next year.
He has since been linked to several nations and clubs since his departure, but he has yet to accept a full time position, though a job opening with one of the biggest clubs in Europe could tempt him back.
Robertson is the only individual on this list out of contract at present, and I could see him holding early talks with Leinster; however, with the three other options named set to be out of contract, this should not really matter.
Noel McNamara
An option for Leinster, who will not be out of contract by the time Cullen steps down, is a coach that is believed to be revolutionising the way rugby teams can attack.
Noel McNamara is contracted with Bordeaux Begles until 2029, but many Leinster fans would love to see him join their side and to bring an exciting brand of rugby back to the province.
This appointment would appear unlikely, as he appears to be enjoying the project in France, as he has helped the club win the Champions Cup in the last two seasons, with a comprehensive win over Leinster this campaign, but he will want to help the side win their first Top 14 title before his contract expires.
Topics: Rugby, Rugby Union
Brendan McGilligan