Leo Cullen has been confirmed as Leinster's new head coach on a two-year deal.
The former Leinster skipper had been in temporary charge since Matt O'Connor's departure in May.
He will now take on the role permanently, as he looks to turn around Leinster’s fortunes, after a disappointing season last year.
Leinster’s CEO Mick Dawson is thrilled with the appointment.
"We are delighted that Leo has agreed to become our Head Coach and to continue an association with Leinster Rugby that started back in 1995 with the schools team”, Dawson said.
“We are all very much looking forward to the next two years under his tutelage.”
"Leo's status as a player is beyond question. He is second only to Gordon D'Arcy in terms of senior appearances and he was an outstanding captain and leader on the pitch.
Over the last 12 months or so in his capacity with the forwards and indeed over the pre-season as interim Head Coach, Leo has continued to impress everyone at Leinster with his tactical and strategic direction.”
Cullen's backroom team has also been confirmed.
Kurt McQuilkin's short term contract as defence coach has been extended to a 2 year deal.
John Fogarty will be scrum coach, while Girvan Dempsey will remain on a short term contract as backs coach until after the World Cup, when Richie Murphy will rejoin the province as skills and kicking coach.
He is with the Ireland camp now, as preparations continue for the World Cup.
Leo Cullen's first game in charge will be this Friday's pre-season friendly against Ulster, while his first competitive fixture at the helm will be the Pro 12 clash away to Edinburgh on September 4th.
