Contepomi emerges as frontrunner to replace Leo Cullen as Leinster head coach

Felipe Contepomi is the frontrunner to return to Leinster as head coach, replacing Leo Cullen when he stands down at the end of the current season, according to reports in Ireland.

Contepomi, 49, spent six years at the RDS as a player and a further four on the coaching staff before departing in 2023 to take charge of Argentina. He heads a shortlist drawn up by Leinster, making him the clear favourite for the role ahead of other reported candidates.

The Argentine served as an assistant to Michael Cheika at the 2023 Rugby World Cup before stepping up to lead the Pumas. His record in charge has been mixed — 13 wins from 29 Tests (44.8%) — though that tally includes historic victories over the All Blacks, the Springboks, and the British and Irish Lions. Argentina currently sit eighth in the world rankings.

Leinster chief executive Shane Nolan acknowledged last week that the province is in no rush to appoint Cullen’s successor, who has held the position since 2015. Nolan indicated the club could even delay a final decision until after the 2027 Rugby World Cup if necessary.

“The key part of the process, and the most critical part, is defining the criteria we want for the new head coach in terms of what are the skills, what are the expertise, what are the experience, what are the attributes we want,” Nolan said, as quoted by the Irish Independent. “And once we’ve aligned with that, then it’s a case of starting to consider candidates. But the criteria piece has been the single most important part of that.”

Nolan is being assisted in the recruitment process by COO Guy Easterby, head of the Professional Games Board Frank Doherty, and IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys.

All Blacks assistants Tamati Ellison and Jason Ryan have also been mentioned as potential targets, while Ronan O’Gara — previously linked to the Leinster job — is reported to be staying at La Rochelle.