Leo Cullen to leave Leinster after 12 years as successor search begins

Leo Cullen has announced he will leave Leinster at the end of the 2026-27 season, with the club’s recruitment process for his successor already underway. The confirmation comes just days after Cullen guided Leinster to a 36-7 victory over the Bulls at Croke Park, securing back-to-back United Rugby Championship titles.

Cullen, who has spent 11 years as head coach of the province, cited the natural timing of the transition as the driving factor behind his decision. “By the end of next season, in 2027, I will have been in my current job for 12 years,” he said. “It’ll also be 32 years since I first represented Leinster as a Schools player. So, I think the timing will be right for me to move on to a new challenge.”

His tenure has not been without its shadows. Leinster’s defeat to Bordeaux-Bèglès in this season’s Investec Champions Cup final was their fourth European final loss in five years, a record that drew sustained scrutiny of Cullen’s position throughout the campaign.

Despite his impending departure, Cullen was clear that his focus remains firmly on the season ahead. He noted that Leinster will return to Yaya Arena at the start of next season and that player movement — both outgoing and incoming — is expected. “I think it’s good to have continuity and certainty heading into the summer,” he said.

Leinster CEO Shane Nolan confirmed the succession process is already in motion while paying tribute to Cullen’s record at the club. “His achievements in the role speak for themselves, including winning seven trophies in 11 years, culminating in a brilliant URC Grand Final win at Croke Park last Friday,” Nolan said. “Leo has been a great player, coach and leader for Leinster and will always be held in the highest regard by anyone that has ever been fortunate enough to work with him.”

Nolan added that Cullen and his coaching staff are already well advanced in their planning for the new season and will continue to drive the standards that have defined his tenure.

Cullen’s connection to Leinster stretches back to 1995 as a Schools representative, and he spent a decade as a player with the province before a spell at Leicester Tigers and a return in 2007. His coaching career has kept him at the club ever since, making the 2027 departure the end of a 32-year association in various capacities.