Leinster confirm Matt O’Connor as Schmidt replacement

Leinster have not had to wait long for a replacement for Joe Schmidt with Matt O’Connor today confirmed as the new Head Coach for next season.

By Declan Whooley

Like Schmidt’s appointment by the IRFU, this move was widely expected after the Leicester Tigers coach held talks last week with the Province before rubber-stamping the deal.

The 42-year-old played most of his club rugby in Canberra with ACT and then the Brumbies and was capped at senior level by Australia against Ireland, while also fitting in a spell in Super League and a couple of seasons in Japan.

O’Connor began his coaching career in Japan before returning to coach the Brumbies for four years during which time he also coached Australia 'A' before joining Leicester Tigers in 2009.

He was involved when the Tigers were beaten by Leinster in the 2009 Heineken Cup Final before being named Head Coach in 2010 and has led the club to successive Runners Up positions in the Premiership.

The Australian will link up with Leinster Rugby on July 1^st and Leinster CEO Mick Dawson is delighted that they have got their man.

“We're delighted that Matt has agreed to become Head Coach and we believe that he will be carry on the fine work which has been done over the course of the last eight years,” he said.

“We were impressed by Matt's vision for Leinster Rugby and speaking to him it is clear that he is excited about the opportunity. We look forward to working with him over the coming years.”

The Australian has said that he is looking forward to the next chapter in his coaching career.

“I am delighted to join Leinster. The playing staff, coaching team and facilities are first class and I have been hugely encouraged by the hunger within the province to push on despite enjoying an unprecedented period of success on the field in recent years.”

“I look forward to working with the province's established and burgeoning talent from the renowned Leinster Academy and I am also pleased to work with the current coaching team who have played such a key part in the province's success over the last four years.”

He has some mighty big shoes to fill at Leinster.