Tuesday 30 May 2017 11:42, UK
Leo Cullen has signed a new two-year deal to remain head coach of Leinster, while senior coach Stuart Lancaster and assistant coaches Girvan Dempsey and John Fogarty have also penned extensions, the province confirmed on Tuesday.
Leinster have yet to win silverware under Cullen in his two campaigns in charge, losing the PRO12 final to Connacht last season and exiting both the Champions Cup and PRO12 at the semi-final stages this season.
Cullen represented his home province in two spells between 1998 and 2005, and 2007 to 2014, before becoming head coach in 2015 following the departure of Matt O'Connor.
"I think Leo deserves enormous credit for the way he has stepped up to the mark over the last two seasons," Leinster CEO Mick Dawson said.
"There have of course been challenges and disappointments but already in his short career as Head Coach he has led Leinster to a Guinness PRO12 Final and to successive top two regular season finishes.
"He has led the club to the last four of the Champions Cup this season, having already finished top of the pool and they went very close to reaching a first Champions Cup Final since 2012.
"We are delighted to have secured his services for another two seasons."
Former England boss Stuart Lancaster arrived under the title of senior coach in a surprise appointment in September 2016, and Dawson confirmed he will remain at the province in the same role, as will Dempsey and Fogarty.
"Stuart has had a huge impact on this club since his arrival in early September and he brings with him a wealth of experience both on and off the field that has helped Leo and the other coaches and players massively.
"His dedication to the Leinster cause is there for all to see and he has been welcomed with open arms by everyone at the club.
"Girvan [Dempsey] and John [Fogarty] are a big part of what has made this Leinster team tick this season and in particular the performances of the younger players.
"They are of course former Leinster players themselves who understand the club but they have also worked a lot with these young players over the years in their previous roles with the Leinster Academy."
