Leinster confirm head coach amid Nienaber rumours
NEWS: Leinster and the IRFU have confirmed the appointment of Noel McNamara as head coach to succeed Leo Cullen when he departs his role at the conclusion of the 2026/27 season.
McNamara will join Leinster from Union Bourdeaux Beglés where he is currently the club’s Attack Coach helping them to deliver back-to-back European Championship wins for the defending champions.
The Clare native will be returning to Leinster having previously worked with the club in several roles, including Academy Manager and Leinster ‘A’ Head Coach during a 5-year spell between 2016 and 2021.
The appointment puts to bed rumours that former Leinster star and current Los Pumas head coach Felipe Contepomi was to take the reins, with reports that the Argentinian doctor has ruled himself out of a return to Dublin.
La Rochelle top dog Ronan O’Gara was also linked with the role.
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— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) November 3, 2026
The news heavily implies that Jacques Nienaber’s rumoured return to South Africa ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia could be in the cards.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has already welcomed Felix Jones after his stint with Steve Borthwick’s England.
Nienaber’s current Leinster contract expires at the end of the campaign. However, a six-month break clause would allow him to potentially return to SA early, even potentially before the end of Leinster’s current campaign.
“I am delighted that I am returning to Leinster Rugby as Head Coach in 2027,” incoming Leinster head coach McNamara said.
“This is one of the most prestigious roles in world rugby and it is an honour to be given this responsibility. I am very grateful to UBB and in particular Laurent Marti and Yannick Bru for supporting me in availing of this opportunity.
“We have a very exciting season ahead with UBB and I am fully focussed on that before moving back to Leinster next summer.”
Speaking about the appointment of McNamara, Leinster CEO, Shane Nolan added: “We are delighted to welcome Noel McNamara as the new Head Coach of Leinster Rugby in 2027.
“Noel has a long association with the club and emerged as our preferred candidate very early in the process. His transition into the role will be seamless and we look forward to welcoming him here next July after this season reaches its conclusion.”
*Additional reporting Rugbypass
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