Leo Cullen will step away from his role as Leinster Rugby head coach at the conclusion of the 2026/27 season, bringing to an end a remarkable 12-year tenure that has yielded seven trophies and established the province as the dominant force in the United Rugby Championship.

The announcement, confirmed by Leinster on Monday morning, comes just three days after Cullen guided the province to a sixth URC title with a commanding 36–7 victory over the Bulls in the Grand Final at Croke Park. Leinster, in collaboration with the IRFU, will immediately begin a formal recruitment process to identify his successor.

Cullen, who first represented Leinster as a Schools player 32 years ago, acknowledged that the time felt right to seek a new challenge after more than a decade at the helm.

“By the end of next season, in 2027, I will have been in my current job for 12 years. It’ll also be 32 years since I first represented Leinster as a Schools player! So, I think the timing will be right for me to move on to a new challenge,” Cullen said.

“I managed 10 years as a player on different Leinster teams before moving to Leicester in 2005 and then returning to Leinster in 2007 to go on to experience some of the most amazing days imaginable.”

A trophy-laden tenure

The former Ireland and Leinster lock retired from playing in 2014 and initially remained at the province as a forwards coach before taking the head coach role in 2015. What followed was a period of sustained success that few coaches in European rugby can rival.

Under Cullen’s stewardship, Leinster claimed six URC titles and a Champions Cup in 2018, when they defeated Racing 92 in the final — making Cullen the first person to win European rugby’s premier trophy as both a player and a coach, having lifted the trophy three times during his playing career.

Yet his tenure will also carry the weight of near misses on the European stage. Leinster were defeated in the Champions Cup final in 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 and most recently in 2026, when they fell to Bordeaux Bègles at the end of May. Those defeats have been a source of frustration for a province that has otherwise dominated the domestic landscape.

Commitment to next season

Cullen was keen to emphasise that he remains fully committed to the upcoming campaign, with Leinster set to return to the newly renamed Laya Arena and with significant squad turnover expected over the summer.

“As many of you will know, I’m committed to Leinster up until the end of next season, and I intend to honour my contract, as I always have done,” he said.

“We’re moving back to Laya Arena at the start of next season, and we can’t wait for that homecoming. We also have players leaving Leinster and other players who’ll potentially be coming in. So, I think it’s good to have continuity and certainty heading into the summer.”

He also praised the structures around him at the province, expressing confidence that the transition would be handled smoothly.

“We have a fantastic group of coaches, staff and players here and I know the club will do everything to ensure continuity and stability – two cornerstones of Leinster Rugby,” Cullen added.

“I want to thank the Leinster Professional Game Board, in particular Shane Nolan, Guy Easterby and Frank Doherty, for their support throughout this process and indeed during my time as Leinster Head Coach.”

Tributes from the province

Leinster CEO Shane Nolan paid a warm tribute to the outgoing head coach, highlighting the scale of his achievements both on and off the pitch.

“I would like to thank Leo for everything he has done as the Head Coach of Leinster Rugby, his achievements in the role speak for themselves, including winning seven trophies in 11 years culminating in a brilliant URC Grand Final win at Croke Park last Friday,” Nolan said.

“Leo has been a great player, coach and leader for Leinster and will always be held in the highest regard by anyone that has ever been fortunate enough to work with him.”

Nolan confirmed that the search for a new head coach was already under way, with Leinster and the IRFU working together on the process.

“We have begun the process to recruit our new Head Coach and will work to ensure that we secure the best possible candidate to continue the success of Leinster Rugby,” he said.

What comes next

The recruitment process will attract significant interest across the rugby world. Leinster’s resources, player pool and competitive record make the position one of the most attractive coaching roles in the Northern Hemisphere. The successful candidate will inherit a squad that has consistently competed at the highest level and will be expected to deliver the European success that has eluded the province since 2018.

For Cullen, the 2026/27 season represents one final chapter in a Leinster story spanning more than three decades. His coaching team, already well advanced in their preparations for the new campaign, will continue to drive the standards that have defined his time in charge. Whether he can sign off with an elusive second Champions Cup remains the tantalising question that will follow him through his farewell season.

Munster and Ireland tighthead prop Oli Jager has been forced to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect on medical grounds, the province confirmed on Saturday.

The 30-year-old, who joined Munster from the Crusaders in November 2023, has been advised to step away from the game after suffering a number of concussions in recent seasons. Jager’s most recent appearance came against Ulster at Thomond Park in April, bringing his tally for the province to 35 caps across three seasons.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Oli Jager has today confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect on medical grounds.<br><br>Everyone at Munster Rugby wishes Oli and his family all the best for the future.<br><br>Read his full statement: <a href=”https://t.co/aFqEDS3eyh”>https://t.co/aFqEDS3eyh</a><a href=”https://x.com/hashtag/SUAF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#SUAF</a&gt; 🔴 <a href=”https://t.co/1ipc4yQCHF”>pic.twitter.com/1ipc4yQCHF</a></p>&mdash; Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) <a href=”https://x.com/Munsterrugby/status/2068320878383825291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>June 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.x.com/widgets.js&#8221; charset=”utf-8″></script>

Munster head coach Clayton McMillan had flagged the possibility of Jager’s retirement just a week earlier, saying: “He’s just had enough concussions that the serious question needs to be asked around whether it’s worth it. And look, if he comes to the decision that it’s not, then he’d have the full support of anyone in this building.”

Confirming the news on Saturday, Jager said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I share that I have been advised to medically retire from rugby.

“Playing professional rugby for the last 10 years has been nothing short of a privilege.

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of my journey — my coaches, teammates, medical and rugby staff, supporters, friends, and family. Each of you has helped shape me not only as a player, but as a person.

“While this chapter comes to an end, I look back with immense pride and gratitude for the experiences, memories, and relationships the game has given me.

“Who knows what the next chapter holds, but I’m excited to see what it has in store.”

From Naas to New Zealand – a remarkable journey

Jager’s path to the professional game was one less travelled. Born in London, he started out at Naas RFC before playing schools rugby at Newbridge College and Blackrock College. He represented Ireland at U18 Schools level in 2013 and also lined out for the Netherlands at U18 level, but missed out on an academy spot at Leinster.

Rather than wait for another opportunity closer to home, Jager took a bold gamble at the age of 17, relocating to Canterbury in New Zealand to attend the Crusaders International High Performance Unit. He earned a place in the Crusaders Academy in 2014 and worked his way through the club game with New Brighton RFC before breaking into the Canterbury squad for the Mitre 10 Cup in 2016.

Jager won NPC titles with Canterbury in 2016 and 2017 before making his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2017. What followed was a golden era – he became a key member of Scott Robertson’s all-conquering squad, winning five Super Rugby titles between 2017 and 2023, as well as two Super Rugby Aotearoa titles in 2020 and 2021.

He also lined out for the Provincial Barbarians against the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and was twice selected for the All Blacks XV under head coach Clayton McMillan. Though tipped as a potential All Black, Jager never received a call-up to the senior side.

Impact at Munster and Ireland recognition

Aged 28, Jager returned to Ireland in November 2023, signing for Graham Rowntree’s Munster. He made his debut against Glasgow Warriors in December 2023 and quickly established himself as a vital member of the squad, making 13 appearances in his debut campaign as Munster finished top of the URC regular-season table.

His form earned him international recognition, and he won his only Ireland cap under Andy Farrell, coming off the bench in a 31–7 victory over Wales in the 2024 Six Nations. He was subsequently included in Ireland’s touring squad for the summer trip to South Africa, and represented Ireland ‘A’ a year later.

Jager’s second season at Munster saw him make 14 appearances, including starts in the Champions Cup knockout clashes against La Rochelle and Bordeaux-Bègles. However, injuries increasingly disrupted his time in red, and he was limited to just eight appearances in his final season.

McMillan paid tribute to Jager on Saturday, saying: “Oli is a hugely respected and popular member of our squad and he can take great pride in everything he has achieved in the game.

“I have a lot of admiration for how he earned his stripes as a rugby player, taking a chance as a teenager and moving across the world to New Zealand.

“It’s an amazing story really, how he earned a contract at one of the biggest club sides in the world at Crusaders and played such a key role in their success.

“He has made a big contribution to Munster Rugby as a player and a person, and is extremely highly-regarded by team-mates, staff and supporters alike.

“It’s every player’s dream to represent their country and to have earned a cap with Ireland is something I’m sure he will look back on very fondly.

“I know he will enjoy great success with whatever he chooses to do next in life and we wish him and his family the very best.”

A significant loss for Munster’s front row

Jager’s retirement is a significant blow for Munster’s front-row resources heading into the 2026/27 season. The tighthead position is one of the most demanding in the game, and experienced international-calibre operators are difficult to replace.

His departure comes during an off-season of considerable change at the province, with McMillan continuing to reshape the squad since succeeding Rowntree at the helm. Munster will need to address the tighthead position as they look to mount another challenge on multiple fronts next season.

Jager’s career, though cut short, stands as a remarkable story of determination. A teenager who left Ireland with no professional contract and built himself into a seven-time Super Rugby champion, an Ireland international, and a player held in the highest regard at every club he represented.

Everyone at Munster Rugby wished Jager and his family all the best for the future.

James Lowe has confirmed he will leave Leinster at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a nine-year stay in Irish rugby that yielded 71 tries in 101 appearances and 45 international caps.

The 33-year-old New Zealand-born wing is set to join Japanese side Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, a move that will almost certainly end his international career with Ireland just a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Lowe’s departure had been widely anticipated in recent weeks after contract negotiations between the player and Leinster broke down. While he is understood to have been keen to remain in Ireland and target a place in Andy Farrell’s World Cup squad, a combination of a reduced provincial offer and a lower top-up from the IRFU as a “player of national interest” made the move untenable.

In a heartfelt statement posted on Instagram, Lowe expressed his gratitude for how Ireland had welcomed him and his family since his arrival from Super Rugby side Chiefs in 2017.

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A post shared by James Lowe (@jameslowe_03)

“I find it difficult to put into words what Ireland means to me,” Lowe said. “It’s become so much more than a place of work. It’s become our home. This country has not only shaped me, it has shaped my career, our family, and given us friendships that we will have for the rest of our lives.”

Lowe reflected on his early days in Dublin, admitting he had little idea of what lay ahead when he first touched down in Ireland nearly a decade ago.

“When I first arrived in Ireland, I had no idea what I was getting into. I was extremely naive and full of excitement, not knowing where this journey would take me. I just had a point to prove. You welcomed me, you accepted me, and this journey has been nothing short of amazing.”

Since qualifying for Ireland through residency in November 2020, Lowe has been one of the most impactful wingers in world rugby. His 17 international tries in 45 caps came during a golden era for Irish rugby, with the left wing playing a central role in two Six Nations titles — including the 2023 Grand Slam — and featuring at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. He was also selected for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia last year, starting the first two Tests in the series victory.

His final Test appearance came in Ireland’s 42-21 Six Nations victory over England at Allianz Stadium earlier this year, where he was forced off with a groin injury in the opening half. Under the IRFU’s longstanding policy of selecting only home-based players, his move to Japan will bring his Ireland career to an immediate end.

At provincial level, Lowe’s record speaks for itself. He recently surpassed Shane Horgan as Leinster’s all-time record try-scorer, and has collected five URC/PRO14 titles and the 2018 Investec Champions Cup during his time at the province.

In his statement, Lowe paid tribute to the club that gave him his start in European rugby.

“Leinster Rugby, you took a punt on me many moons ago and I think we both got more than we bargained for,” he wrote. “I didn’t understand what representing this club meant, but now I get it. It’s been some craic. The highest of highs, and the lowest of lows. It has been an honour to represent this club.”

Lowe reserved his most emotional words for the Ireland jersey, acknowledging the scrutiny that came with representing his adopted country while making clear just how much it meant to him.

“All I ever wanted to do when I was a kid was play international rugby. You trusted me, and to represent you 45 times is the greatest rugby honour of my life,” he said. “I never took it for granted. I understood the criticism that would follow, but I want you to know that every time I pulled on that jersey it filled me with an immense amount of pride.”

“Unfortunately, not everyone gets their fairytale ending. This decision comes with a heavy heart. I love Ireland. I call it home. But sometimes rugby takes you on journeys you don’t expect.”

Lowe’s departure comes at a bittersweet moment. While the move to Japan marks the end of his Irish chapter, he could yet bow out on the highest of notes. Should he be selected, the URC Grand Final against the Bulls at Croke Park on 19 June would be his 102nd and final appearance in Leinster blue — and an opportunity to add a sixth league title to his collection before heading east.

Before Ireland’s Six Nations victory over Scotland in March, head coach Farrell had indicated he expected both Lowe and Connacht centre Bundee Aki to sign new contracts. While Aki agreed a one-year extension, Lowe’s situation took a different turn, and Irish rugby must now plan for life without one of its most dynamic attackers.

His departure leaves a significant void on the left wing for both Leinster and Ireland, but Lowe’s legacy in Irish rugby is already secure — 71 tries, a Grand Slam, two Lions caps, and a place in the hearts of supporters who took a punt on a kid from a small town in New Zealand and watched him become one of their own.