'I generally wouldn't stand in anyone's way' - Cullen says it's natural for Contepomi to be linked with Pumas

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen says it's only natural for Felipe Contepomi to be linked with the vacant Argentina job.

The former Los Pumas out-half and current backs coach for Leinster has been named as the frontrunner to take over as head coach of his native Argentina, following the resignation of Mario Ledesma last week.

Contepomi returned to Leinster as one of Cullen's assistants in 2018 following the departure of Girvan Dempsey to Bath, and while he still has just over a year left on his current contract, he's reportedly being sought after in his home country.

Cullen committed his own future to the province this week by agreeing a 12 month extension, and speaking ahead of tomorrow's URC meeting with the Ospreys at the RDS (live on RTÉ2), he says it's only natural Contepomi will be linked with the role.

"We're lucky that we have a strong group here, there has been speculation and links with Stuart (Lancaster), Robin (McBryde) and Felipe (Contepomi), Denis Leamy is making his way in the senior group as a coach, there will always be that little bit of speculation.

"I talk to the guys all the time, and there’s some great people there. When jobs come up, particularly when they’re linked… as Felipe said, there are three Argentinian coaches in Europe, so it's a short list, and he happens to be one of them.

"I think it’s natural he’ll be linked to the job.

"Plus, he had tonnes of experience as a player and is improving all the time as a coach. We’re very, very lucky to have him. There are always decisions to be made behind the scenes, but I like to think he’s pretty happy here as well," he said.

However, he conceded he would understand if Contepomi (above) felt the chance to coach in Test rugby with his home country was too good to