Leo Cullen will step down as Leinster Rugby head coach at the end of the next season, concluding a remarkable 12-year tenure. The announcement came via a statement from Leinster, confirming that Cullen's contract will expire at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

During his time with the club, Cullen has led Leinster to significant achievements, including:

• Six league titles, with the latest victory in the United Rugby Championship against the Bulls.
• A triumph in the European Champions Cup in 2018, despite facing defeat in five finals since then, four of which occurred in the past five years.

Cullen expressed his commitment to finishing strong, stating, "I will have been in my current job for 12 years... I think the timing will be right for me to move on to a new challenge." He has deep ties to Leinster, having represented the team as a Schools player and later as a player for ten years.

Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan commended Cullen’s contributions, saying, "His achievements in the role speak for themselves, including winning seven trophies in 11 years... Leo has been a great player, coach and leader for Leinster."

The club will immediately initiate a formal recruitment process in collaboration with the IRFU to find Cullen's successor as they prepare for the upcoming season.