Leinster have chosen Bordeaux attack coach Noel McNamara to succeed Leo Cullen as head coach ahead of the 2027/28 season, beating several high-profile candidates to the post. Cullen announced at the end of last season that the 2026/27 campaign would be his 12th and last in charge of the reigning United Rugby Championship. Official confirmation of McNamara’s appointment is expected in mid-November during a domestic playing break.
Why Felipe Contepomi Missed Out on the Dublin Return
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi had been heavily touted by some Irish media to take over from Cullen. However, Contepomi’s Rugby World Cup commitments with the Pumas made the timing impossible.
“Leinster had to make a decision earlier than I was able to make a decision myself,” Contepomi explained, noting he would not have been able to take over until November 2027 following the tournament in Australia.
That delay forced Leinster to look elsewhere, opening the door for McNamara to return to his former province.
How Noel McNamara Beat World-Class Rivals to the Job
McNamara secured the role over a series of high-profile names, including Scott Robertson and current Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber. Stuart Lancaster ruled himself out early, declaring himself happy at Connacht, while La Rochelle boss Ronan O’Gara admitted he was disappointed not to receive a phone call from Leinster regarding the vacancy.
The 43-year-old from County Clare originally fell into rugby coaching while teaching at Glenstal Abbey in County Limerick. He later moved to Clongowes, served as Leinster academy manager, and guided the Ireland U20s to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2019. Stints with North Harbour in New Zealand and the Sharks in Durban preceded his July 2023 arrival at Bordeaux, where he helped the club win back-to-back Investec Champions Cup titles and boosted their Top 14 try count from 63 to 124 in his first season.
Jacques Nienaber Faces a Springboks Reunion
The appointment of McNamara heavily implies that Jacques Nienaber is set for a return to South Africa. Nienaber’s current Leinster contract expires at the end of the campaign, and a six-month break clause could allow an early departure.
McNamara’s arrival will likely copper-fasten Nienaber’s return to Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks coaching ticket. Erasmus frequently reunites with trusted staff members, having already brought Felix Jones back into the fold following an England stint.
Questions About the Coaching Succession at Leinster
When will Noel McNamara officially take charge at Leinster?
McNamara is set to take over ahead of the 2027/28 season, following the conclusion of Leo Cullen’s 12th and last year in charge during the 2026/27 campaign.
When will Leinster formally announce the appointment?
An unveiling is expected in mid-November, when both Leinster and Union Bordeaux-Bègles have breaks in their domestic playing schedules.
Could McNamara eventually coach the national team?
IRFU high performance boss David Humphreys viewed McNamara as a potential successor to Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, whose contract runs until the end of the 2031 World Cup. Five seasons at Leinster would provide a natural transition to the national setup.
Where was McNamara coaching prior to this appointment?
McNamara served as the attack coach for French club Union Bordeaux-Bègles, where he signed a three-year contract extension in May before Leinster secured his early release.