AFTER BIDING HIS time since taking over as Leinster coach, Matt O’Connor today confirmed that Leo Cullen would continue as the province’s captain by taking him to the RaboDirect Pro12 launch in Belfast.
The second row will lead the side for the sixth year in succession.
Prior to the official announcement, it was felt that his shared Leicester Tigers history with O’Connor made him a natural choice to remain at his post.
However, the Australian coach’s silence on the matter up to today’s official duty in Belfast gave rise to speculation that the baton would pass on.
“Leo will keep that role as club captain,” O’Connor responded to TheScore.ie today.
“He’s done an unbelievable job; he’s lifted three Heineken Cups here, he epitomises everything that the group values and from my end there was no need to change that.”
Cullen meanwhile was typically humble, suggesting that any one of up to a dozen players within the squad could have taken up the job.
“Absolute pleasure to do it,” Cullen said. “The role probably hasn’t changed a hole lot for me. We’re in a fortunate position where 10 or 12 guys could do the job easily enough.
“During the course of last season we used various guys to captain the team – it’s a great bunch of lads that we have and i’m delighted to be the one who represents them here today.”
He obviously deserves it if the coach picks him and must be training well. He is a Leinster legend.
Love the way when a Leinster fan questions a Leinster decision another Leinster fan drags Munster into it…. :-D
Poor choice, Leo’s too far past his best. You have Ireland third and fourth choice 2nd rows in the squad so really Leo shouldn’t even be first choice.
He’s the club captain. CLUB captain. He is a great choice and the same galway was when he last led Munster (to eff all silverware).
Was poor enough in the pitch last year, can’t see him getting any better this year.
He is well past it, and if you watched him last year, spent most of his time arriving late to plays, and then dragging out of opposition players after the ball is gone. Probably in an attempt to slow everyone else down to his pace. Not a good choice.