Leo Cullen will depart his role as Leinster head coach after 12 years at the conclusion of the 2026/27 season, with Noel McNamara confirmed to succeed him next summer. McNamara, 43, will officially take up the position on July 1, 2027, after completing his current commitments with French club Bordeaux-Bègles.
The Clare native spent five seasons at Leinster between 2016 and 2021 in various development roles, including academy manager and Leinster A head coach, before moving on to senior coaching positions abroad. Leinster chief executive Shane Nolan said the incoming coach emerged as the province’s preferred candidate early in the recruitment process.
Easterby also expressed gratitude, saying: I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank UBB President, Laurent Marti, and head coach, Yannick Bru, for their understanding and professionalism in dealing with this matter.
He added: I am also very grateful for the support of Shane Nolan, the Professional Game Board here in Leinster and IRFU performance director, David Humphreys throughout this process.
IRFU performance director David Humphreys said: Noel brings a wealth of coaching experience, strong leadership qualities and a proven track record of developing players and coaching successful teams.
Humphreys further noted: He has a deep understanding of Irish rugby and I’m looking forward to working with him to ensure Leinster’s continued success, while supporting the development of players for the Ireland national team.
Regarding his appointment, McNamara said: This is one of the most prestigious roles in world rugby, and it is an honour to be given this responsibility.
He also stated: I am very grateful to UBB and in particular Laurent Marti and Yannick Bru for supporting me in availing this opportunity.
Hugo Keenan Welcomes the Return of a Familiar Face
Leinster full-back Hugo Keenan has endorsed the appointment from Ireland’s training camp ahead of Friday’s Nations Championship opener against Argentina at Aviva Stadium. Keenan previously worked with McNamara at University College Dublin and within the Leinster age-grade setup.
Leinster confirm appointment of Noel McNamara to succeed Leo Cullen when he departs at the end of season https://t.co/kHkkCZoXcK
“I think it’s great news, I’ve got a good relationship with him,” Keenan said. The player highlighted McNamara’s communication skills and presence in a room as key attributes that will aid his transition from attack coach to head coach.
Keenan also noted: I would have worked with him in the past, both at UCD originally, he was the head coach there when I was playing AIL, when I was sort of between the Academy and Sevens and playing AIL rugby, and then dealt with them as well for the ‘A’ team in Leinster, and know him well.
From UCD and the Under-20s to Champions Cup Success in France
As attack coach for the Top 14 side, McNamara helped secure successive Investec Champions Cup titles in 2025 and 2026. The latter triumph included a 41-19 victory over Leinster in the final at Bilbao, a match that showcased the tactical identity he will bring back to Dublin.
Squad Expectations and the Challenge Ahead for Leinster
Keenan noted that the wider squad shares a positive view of the appointment, pointing to McNamara’s stint abroad as a valuable source of fresh perspective. “He knows the club itself and he’s been through the ranks,” Keenan added, noting that the incoming boss understands the existing Leinster identity.
Meanwhile, Cullen’s tenure continues through the remainder of the current campaign. The former Ireland second row has led Leinster to six league titles and the Champions Cup in 2018, but his side subsequently lost five finals in the competition, including four in the past five years.
Common Questions About the Coaching Transition
Who will Noel McNamara replace at Leinster?
McNamara will succeed Leo Cullen, who steps down at the end of the 2026/27 season after 12 years in charge.
Leinster confirm Noel McNamara appointment as Leo Cullen's successor https://t.co/SEMWs7vrO1
When does McNamara officially start his new role?
He will finish the current season with Bordeaux-Bègles before officially taking over at Leinster on July 1, 2027.
What experience does McNamara bring from abroad?
He spent two seasons with the Sharks in South Africa and most recently served as attack coach for Bordeaux-Bègles, helping the French club win back-to-back Champions Cup titles in 2025 and 2026.
It's official: Noel McNamara will succeed Leo Cullen as Leinster head coach from the 2027/28 season. The Bordeaux-Bègles attack coach helped UBB win back-to-back Champions Cups, and he returns to Leinster after five years with the province between 2016 and 2021, including spells… pic.twitter.com/UljR6sJpuN
Earlier coverage: Leinster to Appoint Noel McNamara as Head Coach
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