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Noel McNamara confirmed as Leo Cullen’s successor at Leinster

Cullen has led Leinster to six league titles and the Champions Cup in 2018, but his side subsequently lost four finals in the last five years in the competition and five in total since moving into the hotseat in 2015.

Published: Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 10:45 AM
Noel McNamara confirmed as Leo Cullen’s successor at Leinster
Key Things to Know
  • Noel McNamara will replace Leo Cullen as Leinster head coach next season.
  • Cullen announced in June that he will step down when his contract expires next summer.
  • McNamara currently works as attack coach for French club Bordeaux Begles.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Leinster have confirmed that Bordeaux Begles attack coach Noel McNamara will return to the province next season as head coach. McNamara will replace Leo Cullen, who announced in June that he will step down when his contract expires next summer. McNamara previously served across several roles at Leinster, including academy manager, before coaching the Sharks and Bordeaux.

Leinster turned to McNamara after failing to recruit Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi. The 43-year-old coach, who led Ireland Under-20s to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2019, will complete the current season with Bordeaux before taking charge in July.

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