Leinster appoint McNamara to succeed Cullen in 2027

Leinster have appointed Noel McNamara as head coach to succeed Leo Cullen, who is due to leave the role at the end of the 2026-27 season. McNamara is scheduled to take charge on July 1, 2027, after completing the season with Bordeaux-Begles, where he is currently an attack coach. The announcement confirms an earlier report that McNamara would return to the Irish province. Leinster said he emerged as its preferred candidate early in the selection process. CEO Shane Nolan said the club expects his transition into the role to be seamless. McNamara said he would remain focused on Bordeaux for the rest of the season before moving to Leinster. He previously worked for Leinster from 2016 to 2021, including as academy manager and head coach of Leinster A. He also coached Ireland’s under-20 team to a Grand Slam in 2019. After leaving Leinster, McNamara spent two years with the Sharks in Durban as attack and backs coach before joining Bordeaux. The French club reached the Top 14 final in 2024 and 2025, and won the European Champions Cup in 2025 and again in 2026. Bordeaux beat Leinster 41-19 in this year’s final. McNamara signed a three-year contract extension with Bordeaux in May,...