Cullen's new Leinster deal part of his Ireland coaching aspirations?

OPINION: Leo Cullen’s latest two-year deal with Leinster could set him on a path to take over as Ireland coach.

The Leinster boss’s new deal brings his contract in sync with that of Andy Farrell, the current Ireland coach.

Leinster CEO Shane Nolan said there were several key factors behind the decision to extend Cullen’s tenure as head coach of the province until 2027 at the very least.

Both the Ireland Head Coach and the Leinster Head Coach’s current deals finish in 2027.

Speculation has been rife that Farrell is in England’s sights for the post-RWC 2027 Head Coach role and Cullen would be available immediately.

This narrative also fits in with the recent speculation coming from South Africa that Jacques Nienaber could be back with the Springboks ahead of the RWC 2027 campaign. Double World Cup-winning Nienaber is contracted to Leinster until 2026.

In October Nienaber, ahead of a United Rugby Championship match, told a media briefing that he had no plans to rejoin the Springboks.

But he later took to social media, and posted on X that he is happy at Leinster without dismissing “what might come down the line”.

Nienabers’ contract discussion with Leinster will be conducted between November 2025 and January 2026. If he signs on again, it could be a sign that he is earmarked as the next Leinster coach.

Leinster has not had ideal results in the URC and Champions Cup and this was certainly a discussion point during the latest contract negotiations with Cullen but according to Nolan, he remains the best man to take the province forward while also acknowledging that Cullen has indicated an interest in the Ireland coaching job.

💪 “The top talent in world rugby wants to come here to play with Leo. He’s Leinster Rugby’s most successful coach ever. But beyond that, Leo uniquely understands Leinster Rugby.”

👏 Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan celebrates Leo Cullen’s contract extension.#FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/ttzjRdfNxH

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 20, 2024

But he insisted the lengths of Cullen and Farrell’s respective contracts were merely a coincidence.

“There’s no grand master plan in terms of coordinating contracts. I think Leo has mentioned before that he has ambitions.

“A national team coach is definitely something he talked about before and I think he should have those ambitions, but he’s absolutely thrilled to be continuing in Leinster for another two years and we’re thrilled to have him. Nobody is in a job forever and Leo has got aspirations to be a national coach.

“We’d be very supportive of that, but equally we’re delighted to get him for two more years.”