Leinster head coach Leo Cullen will step down from his role when his contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season.

Cullen will depart after 12 years in the position, having led Leinster to six league titles, adding the latest in the United Rugby Championship decider against the Bulls on Friday.

He also guided them to a European Champions Cup in 2018, though they have struggled to match that success in recent years.

Leinster have since lost five finals in the competition, including four in the past five years – they suffered a 41-19 defeat to Bordeaux Begles in May.

"By the end of next season, in 2027, I will have been in my current job for 12 years," Cullen said.

Leinster Rugby can confirm that Head Coach, Leo Cullen, will step away from his role at the conclusion of his contract at the end of the 2026/27 season

Leo, and his coaching team, will continue to lead the Senior Men’s team until June 2027

Read more: https://t.co/WcQ7OLSaJk pic.twitter.com/twPRBNOHzs

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) June 22, 2026

"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.

"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.

"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."

In a statement, Leinster said Cullen and his staff will continue their preparations for the upcoming season, but the search for a new head coach will begin straight away.