Leo Cullen named Leinster head coach

Leo Cullen has been appointed head coach of Leinster after agreeing a two-year deal.

Cullen, who won 221 caps for Leinster and won the Heineken Cup three times as captain, has already been in charge on an interim basis following the departure of Matt O'Connor at the end of last season.

Leinster CEO Mick Dawson said: "We are delighted that Leo has agreed to become our head coach and to continue an association with Leinster Rugby that started back in 1995 with the schools team. We are all very much looking forward to the next two years under his tutelage.

"Leo's status as a player is beyond question. He is second only to Gordon D'Arcy in terms of senior appearances and he was an outstanding captain and leader on the pitch.

"Over the last 12 months or so in his capacity with the forwards and indeed over the pre-season as interim head coach, Leo has continued to impress everyone at Leinster with his tactical and strategic direction."

Cullen played 32 times for Ireland after making his debut against New Zealand in 2002. 

Leinster also confirmed Kurt McQuilkin has signed a two-year contract as defence coach, John Fogarty will be scrum coach and Girvan Dempsey will be backs coach until after the Rugby World Cup, while Richie Murphy will rejoin as skills and kicking coaching following Ireland's involvement in the tournament.

Dawson added: "This is an exciting time for Leinster Rugby. 

"We have great talent coming through our sub and full Academy. We had 25 players called up to provisional World Cup squads and we have signed players during the summer that our supporters can get really excited about."