Leo Cullen signs two-year deal to stay at Leinster till 2027

Leo Cullen has signed a new two-year deal as head coach of Leinster.

The former Ireland lock has been in charge at the province since August 2015 and has led Leinster to the Champions Cup in 2018 and four URC titles.

The new deal will keep him at the club until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Cullen said: "I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to continue in my role as head coach of Leinster Rugby.

"We are lucky to have a fantastic group of players and staff here at Leinster who I enjoy going to work with every day."

Leinster, currently top of the URC, have lost the last three Champions Cup finals.

The 46-year-old added: "We are lucky to have a fantastic group of players and staff here at Leinster who I enjoy going to work with every day.

"Everyone in the group is focused on working hard, maximising our potential and making our families, friends and supporters proud of what we do on the pitch. I'm really excited by what the future holds for us."

Cullen won 32 caps for Ireland and 221 caps for Leinster as a player.

Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan said: "Moving Leo away from his previous rolling one-year contract extensions was a key priority for me in 2022, as it was in this instance and given we are in the middle of contract negotiation season; I am delighted to get this business concluded ahead of a critical block of our season resuming next week.

"Leinster Rugby has won five trophies under Leo’s direction, making him the club’s most successful coach. Nearly 100 players have made their debuts under him, the vast majority of whom come through our pathway.

"Yes, we have come up short in the last three years and while we are very conscious of that fact, my remit and that of the club in making a head coach appointment, is to