Noel McNamara to become Leinster head coach after Leo Cullen departs at end of the season

NOEL MCNAMARA WILL become the Leinster head coach to succeed Leo Cullen when he departs his role at the end of the 2026/27 season.

McNamara’s appointment follows a report by The Sunday Times, as the Clare native prepares to join Leinster from Union Bordeaux-Bègles, where he is currently the club’s attack coach. 

He will remain in his position with Bordeaux for the remainder of the 2026/27 season before taking up his new role with Leinster on 1 July 2027.

McNamara will be returning to Leinster having previously worked with the club in several roles, including Academy Manager and Leinster ‘A’ Head Coach during a five-year spell between 2016 and 2021.

“I am delighted that I am returning to Leinster Rugby as head coach in 2027,” McNamara said after his appointment. “This is one of the most prestigious roles in world rugby, and it is an honour to be given this responsibility.

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“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.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added:

“Noel brings a wealth of coaching experience, strong leadership qualities and a proven track record of developing players and coaching successful teams.

“He has a deep understanding of Irish rugby and I’m looking forward to working with him to ensure Leinster’s continued success, while supporting the development of players for the Ireland national team.”

Written by Sinead Farrell and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.