Beginning the process of finding a new head coach in the May before a World Cup isn't the most ideal time. That being said - a huge number of high profile names were being banded about as potential replacements for Matt O'Connor. One by one, though, they counted themselves out of the running.
It's probably a great relief to Leinster fans that they have appeared to settle on their next head coach - Leo Cullen. The Sunday Times is reporting that Leinster have offered a two-to-three year deal for Cullen to take over the gig.
Should Cullen want to take up the offer - the only stumbling block over an announcement would be from the IRFU performance director David Nucifora not signing off on the move.
Cullen is extremely inexperienced - with his only coaching experience as part of the Leinster forwards group for Leinster's forgettable season last year. Cullen does have the benefit of knowing the players - and won't need a bedding in period. He's also reportedly the most impressive candidate that was interviewed according to reports, and has a good relationship with incoming interim defense coach Kurt McQuilkin.
Cullen would need to recruit a backs coach capable of producing the flair that Leinster are capable of - but he definitely has the backing of the players, and might have more time with Leinster fans than O'Connor did.
[The Sunday Times]
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Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
