Alan Gaffney has confirmed he will return to Leinster next season after agreeing a two-year deal with the Magners League leaders.
Sarries director of rugby will return to Ireland
Alan Gaffney has confirmed he will return to Leinster next season after agreeing a two-year coaching role with the Magners League leaders.
The Saracens director of rugby had been touted as a possible successor to under-pressure Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan, but refuted rumours by revealing his Leinster switch.
Gaffney steered Leinster to Celtic League success in 2002 and will replace Sydney-bound David Knox as backs coach after agreeing a permanant deal.
However, Gaffney will continue his work at Saracens on a part-time consultancy basis with former Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones taking over at Vicarage Road.
Mastermind
In a further boost for Leinster, it was confirmed head coach Michael Cheika and defensive mastermind Kurt McQuilkin have signed new two-year deals.
"I will maintain an involvement with Saracens next season that will see me spending time with the club at agreed periods throughout the season," said Gaffney.
"But the nature of the role allowed me to explore other opportunities and so I will renew my association with Leinster.
"From a personal perspective this is a good scenario for me and everything has worked out well.
"I really enjoyed the lifestyle when I lived in Ireland and that was another factor in making the decision."
