Leo Cullen has signed a one-year contract extension as Leinster head coach, while refusing to move his tenure beyond the 2021/2022 season for now.
Cullen, who won 221 caps for Leinster and was captain of three Heineken Cup-winning squads, was appointed head coach at the start of the 2015/16 season and will now lead the province for a further season.
Leinster Rugby CEO Mick Dawson also confirmed that Stuart Lancaster, Felipe Contepomi and Robin McBryde have also been contracted for a further two years.
Dawson said: "The discussions with Leo, and indeed with all the coaches, have gone very smoothly and I would like to thank Leo and Stuart, Felipe and Robin for their patience and understanding in what is for everyone in society a challenging situation.
"I am delighted to be able to confirm their new contracts here this evening with our Official Members who have been brilliantly supportive of the club over the last 12 months in particular.
"Under Leo's stewardship, the club has enjoyed unprecedented success reaching seven finals in that time including Saturday week’s game against Munster and of course there is still the small matter of a European season to conclude this year and a game with Toulon only weeks away.
Stuart Lancaster said Cullen has been key for Leinster's academy.
He added: "More than any trophy, however, Leo has ensured that our 'from the ground up’ ethos has not only been protected but has thrived under his leadership.
"Already this season 12 players from our own pathway have made senior debuts with Leinster in the Guinness PRO14 with Seán O’Brien and Tim Corkery being the latest two at the weekend.
"This success has been achieved in tandem with Stuart, Felipe and Robin and there was no hesitation on our part in offering them all extended terms and we very much look forward to working with them into the future.
"With the roll-out of vaccines and Covid-19 numbers on the decrease, we are all hopeful of better and brighter days for us all and for supporters to once again return to our games."
Dawson said Cullen does not want to make a long-term commitment to Leinster for now.
He added: "We offered Leo a two-year deal and were very happy to do so, but Leo, for his own personal reasons, has instead chosen a rolling one-year contract which we respect.
"It is very much our hope that Leo will sit down with us again next season and that he will indicate a willingness to commit for a second season, and we will discuss that possibility when the time is right.
"Until that time, we are delighted to have Leo on board and we look forward to working with him, with Stuart, Felipe and Robin and indeed with the rest of the coaching and backroom team to build on the fantastic work already underway."
