Noel McNamara appointed as next Leinster head coach

Leinster Rugby has announced that Noel McNamara will succeed Leo Cullen as the head coach of the Irish province. The Irish Examiner, BBC Sport, the Irish Times, and RTE all report that the 43-year-old Clare native will take over the role starting next season. [1][2][3][4][5]

Leo Cullen announced in June that he would step down after 12 years in charge, according to BBC Sport. The Irish Times and RTE both report that Cullen's tenure will conclude at the end of the 2026/27 season. [3][4][5]

McNamara currently serves as the attack coach for French club Bordeaux Begles, BBC Sport and the Irish Times report. In that role, he helped Bordeaux Begles win back-to-back Champions Cup titles, including last season's final victory against Leinster, according to BBC Sport and the Irish Times. [2][3][4]

Before moving to France, McNamara spent five years at Leinster in roles including academy manager and head coach of Leinster A, BBC Sport and the Irish Times report. BBC Sport reports that he coached Ireland's Under-20s to a Grand Slam in 2019, before joining South African side the Sharks in 2021 as attack and backs coach. [2][3][4]

Ireland fullback Hugo Keenan welcomed the news, calling McNamara an exciting head coach who understands the province, according to BBC Sport and the Irish Times. [2][6][7]