LEINSTER HEAD COACH LEO CULLEN has signed a new two-year contract extension to remain as head coach of the team.
The United Rugby Championship leaders have been led by Cullen since August 2015.
Cullen, who served as captain of three Heineken Cup-winning teams, ended his playing career at the conclusion of the 2013–14 season, but not before defeating Glasgow Warriors to win the PRO12 championship.
Under Matt O'Connor, he was first named Forwards Coach in the summer of 2014. A year later, he was named Head Coach.
Cullen also guided Leinster Rugby to four PRO14/URC triumphs and a Champions Cup victory in 2018.
He went onto to receive the United Rugby Championship Coach of the Year title twice, the first time in 2018 and the second time in June 2022.
"It is a great honour for me to be asked to extend my time at Leinster Rugby. I feel very fortunate to able to work with such a brilliant group of people here," Cullen told leinsterrugby.ie.
📢 | 𝗟𝗲𝗼 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻.
📰 | Read the full story: https://t.co/TUve5nVv93#FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/ZtsqOB8vUP— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 27, 2023
"Many thanks to Shane Nolan, Guy Easterby and the Leinster Professional Game Board along with David Nucifora from the IRFU for their continued support and backing of me through this process. Also, to my family and friends, who only show me love and support, thank you for all the sacrifices you make.
"We are entering a really exciting period of the season and we are all focused on delivering our best in front of lots of people who have backed us all through our careers."
Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan said: "This is great news for all Leinster Rugby supporters.
"Since 2015, Leo has done a remarkable job as Head Coach of Leinster Rugby and securing his signature was one of my top priorities."
IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora, added: "The province is starting a new chapter next season with the loss of some influential voices in their environment, so it was important that Leo agreed to sign on for a further two years.
"He is a driving force behind a lot of the good work that goes on at Leinster and the stability and insight he brings will enable Leinster to transition successfully while also continuing to compete for honours and bring through new talent."
Leinster's next game in the URC will be against Edinburgh this coming Saturday
