'Tough decision but proud moment' for departing Leinster assistant coach Contepomi

Felipe Contepomi admitted it was a "tough" decision to leave Leinster but that the time was right for him to return home.

The Argentinian is to take up an assistant coach role with the Pumas under boss Michael Cheika at the end of this season.

"It's a great feeling to have that opportunity but it’s been a very tough decision for me," said the 44-year-old old, who spent ten seasons with the province over two stints as both player and as assistant coach.

"There’s no hiding that I’ve got one of the best opportunities in my life to come to the best team in the world in Leinster.

"I had great moments here and now this opportunity came and with the support of Leo [Cullen, head coach] and Leinster I took the chance to go back home.

"There are many other reasons, not just rugby-wise, that I made that decision.

"I’m really happy. For any person, having the opportunity to play for and then coach their country, it’s a proud moment, for me and my family.

"It’s a family thing as well and there are other components that play into the decision.

"In professional rugby, you don't know where you start and you don't know where you finish. In a high-performance profession you always prepare to get better and then opportunities come.

"I never set it as a goal to be in the Argentinean coaching staff.

"Realistically the environment here is second to none and the opportunity came up. I’d like to think I can take a lot of what I've learned here to make Argentina a better team and organisation.

"My time at Leinster has been great from the first minute and it goes further than the results.

"We’ve lost, we’ve won but it’s the experience and the opportunity to work with the people here.

"This institution is special and I always say to the players, it’s not like