Leinster Rugby will begin their Pro 12 campaign against Treviso next month without the services of experienced defence coach Kurt McQuilkin who has unexpectedly announced that he is to leave the province to return to New Zealand before the end of this month.
The Kiwi's departure from the Leinster coaching ticket is the latest blow to coach to Leo Cullen's preparations for the new season. Luke Fitzgerald and Eoin Reddan's retirements, along with a slew of players still searching for fitness in pre-season, mean that Cullen's ranks are severely depleted ahead of the kick-off of the new season.
Marquee signing Robbie Henshaw is still on the treatment table following the knee injury he sustained in Ireland's second test against South Africa, while Jonathan Sexton is still a few weeks away from full fitness. Rhys Ruddock, Cian Healy, Sean O'Brien and Dave Kearney will all also be absent for the opening weeks of the campaign.
Ben T'eo's move to Worcester also leaves a gaping hole in the middle of the Leinster backline.
BREAKING: Kurt McQuilkin to leave Leinster Rugby https://t.co/TaBfRj7ErE pic.twitter.com/QmOj5TicMw
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) August 17, 2016
Captain Isa Nacewa has yet to be cleared for full contact in training and Richardt Strauss is unavailable due to a knee injury.
The loss of McQuilkin is another big blow and, despite the temporary appearance of Graham Henry in recent weeks, Leinster have rarely had a more inexperienced coaching staff on the eve of a new season. McQuilkin's loss is being put down to "personal reasons" and leaves the province with little time to bed in a replacement so soon to the province's opening competetive fixtures.
Leo Cullen said of the news of McQuilkin's departure:
This is very sad news for Kurt and his family and our priority is supporting Kurt in his decision as best we can. He will be with us for a few more weeks but after that he will head back home with our very best wishes in very trying circumstances and with the thanks of everyone at Leinster Rugby for his stellar contribution over the last 12 months. The process of replacing Kurt has already begun but right now our focus is on Kurt and ensuring that his move back home is as seamless as possible.
