Leinster and Matt O'Connor parted company this morning due to a mutual agreement following a meeting of the Leinster Professional Games Board.
Leinster CEO Mick Dawson confirmed via leinsterrugby.ie the departure of the Australian head coach and the installation of Leo Cullen as the interim head coach until a replacement is found, while also confirming that a replacement was underway:
During Matt's time here we won the PRO12 during his first season and have made progress in both European campaigns. Matt will leave Leinster Rugby with the best wishes and thanks of all involved with the province for all his hard work during his two years.
We wish Matt the very best of luck for the future and thank him sincerely for his contribution to Leinster.
Meanwhile, departing Matt O'Connor also spoke to leinsterrugby.ie:
I am disappointed and frustrated with our form in the PRO12 this season. We set high standards for ourselves and for many reasons, we did not achieve those highs throughout the league this campaign.
However the European journey that we took over two seasons, for a new group of coaches, players and staff, is one that we can be very proud of. The dynamic in Europe has changed with meritocracy and fewer teams competing and this has improved the quality. We went toe to toe with the best and there is no shame in losing to Toulon by the smallest of margins and I'm extremely proud of the group and the character shown.
I would like to thank my coaching team and the backroom staff for their support and for leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a performance every week.
I'd also like to thank the players for their application during my time here. They have been a pleasure to work with and I will look back on my time with great fondness for what we achieved together.
Finally, to the supporters, thanks for making me and my family feel welcome during our time here and I wish Leinster Rugby the very best of luck for the future.
View the full statements on leinsterrugby.ie
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Photo Credit Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
