Leinster confirm new deals for coaching staff - Farrell recieves new role

At an open training session in Wicklow RFC, where the squad met with local schoolkids and supporters, Cullen revealed that Robin McBryde, Jacques Nienaber and Tyler Bleyendaal have all signed new deals running through to the end of the 2026/27 season.

A newly created role of Provincial Kicking Coach has also been introduced to better align Leinster’s work at UCD with the clubs, schools and wider player pathway. Former outhalf Emmet Farrell, who has been with Leinster for more than 20 years and is currently the club’s Lead Performance Analyst, has been appointed to the role. Farrell will continue as kicking coach with the senior side alongside his new responsibilities.

With Farrell moving across, Brian Colclough has stepped into the Lead Performance Analyst role. Colclough joined Leinster in the 2016/17 season and brings international pedigree, having worked with Samoa at the most recent Rugby World Cup and with the Irish setup during this summer’s Tests against Georgia and Portugal.

Cullen praised the impact of his coaching team and welcomed the continuity of fresh contracts:

“I think we can all appreciate the work that Robin, Jacques and Tyler have done but also the mark that they have left and are leaving on Leinster in their time here.

They have all brought tons of relevant experience and a different perspective to how we do things and I think that's hugely important for the development of our group, that we hear other voices and other ways of operating.

It's not just around the senior team as well, you see it with our Academy players and the work that they do visiting the clubs and the schools and giving freely of their time. I’m delighted to have them all on board again.”

Cullen also hailed the long-serving Farrell’s promotion and the opportunities it opens for others within the Leinster setup:

“I am also delighted for Emmet, someone who has been a key part of the success of this club on and off the field for more than 20 years that he gets an opportunity to continue to grow as a coach and that others will benefit, not just ourselves based here in UCD.

"That consistency and alignment is crucial for us between what we are doing here in UCD and the brilliant work underway in our pathways and at the Ken Wall Centre of Excellence in Energia Park.

"That new role for Emmet offers an opportunity for Brian to move up and also for Juliette Fortune to move up to a more senior role in the analysis team, and I am delighted for them both.

"They both started with us as interns and it's brilliant to see them continue their professional journey with us at Leinster.”

Leinster’s revamped coaching group now turn full attention to their URC campaign, with Cullen’s men kicking off the season away to the Stormers in Cape Town.