Cullen, Lancaster, Contepomi and McBryde extend contracts at Leinster

LEINSTER HEAD COACH Leo Cullen and senior coach Stuart Lancaster have extended their contracts by a year and two years respectively, while assistant coach Robin McBryde and backs coach Felipe Contepomi have also stretched their stays at the eastern province by a further two years.

Cullen, who won 221 caps for Leinster and was captain of three Heineken Cup-winning squads, has been head coach since the 2015/16 season and with his one-year extension will remain in charge until the end of next season, while his three colleagues will remain in their positions until the end of 2022/23.

Leinster and Cullen both confirmed that Cullen was himself offered a two-year deal but, for personal reasons, preferred a rolling one-year contract.

The four extensions were first confirmed to Leinster ‘members’ in a Q&A event with Cullen on Tuesday.

Felipe Contepomi (back left), Robin McBryde (back right), Stuart Lancaster (front left) and Leo Cullent (front right). Source: Ramsey Cardy/SPORTSFILE

Leinster CEO Mick Dawson said: “The discussions with Leo, and indeed with all the coaches, have gone very smoothly and I would like to thank Leo and Stuart, Felipe and Robin for their patience and understanding in what is for everyone in society a challenging situation.

“I am delighted to be able to confirm their new contracts here this evening with our Official Members who have been brilliantly supportive of the club over the last 12 months in particular.

“Under Leo’s stewardship, the club has enjoyed unprecedented success reaching seven finals in that time including Saturday week’s game against Munster and of course there is still the small matter of a European season to conclude this year and a game with Toulon only weeks away.

“More than any trophy, however, Leo has ensured that our ‘from the ground up’ ethos has not only been protected but has thrived under his leadership.

“Already this season 12 players from our own pathway have made senior debuts with Leinster in the Guinness Pro14 with Seán O’Brien and Tim Corkery being the latest two at the weekend.

“This success has been achieved in tandem with Stuart, Felipe and Robin and there was no hesitation on our part in offering them all extended terms and we very much look forward to working with them into the future.

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“With the roll-out of vaccines and Covid-19 numbers on the decrease, we are all hopeful of better and brighter days for us all and for supporters to once again return to our games.”

Regarding the one-year tenure of Cullen’s contract, Dawson added:

“Until that time, we are delighted to have Leo on board and we look forward to working with him, with Stuart, Felipe and Robin and indeed with the rest of the coaching and backroom team to build on the fantastic work already underway.”