Jacques Nienaber misses out as Leinster name surprise new head coach

McNamara emerged as Leinster's preferred candidate, beating several higher-profile options - among them, former World Cup-winning Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber, who has been working at Leinster as a senior coach under Cullen for the last three years.

Argentina boss Felipe Contepomi also fell out of the race due to his 2027 World Cup commitments, while ex-All Blacks boss Scott Robertson was said to have been another contender.

McNamara, who guided Ireland to the U20 Six Nations Grand Slam in 2019, also spent two years with the Sharks in Durban, where he developed a strong working relationship with Yannick Bru. That connection paved the way for his move to Bordeaux-Begles, who have since claimed back-to-back Champions Cup titles.

McNamara is credited with making Bordeaux a more potent attacking force, with the club now chasing a third consecutive Champions Cup crown. He will remain in France until the end of the season before taking up his new role at Leinster on 1 July 2027.

Leinster CEO Shane Nolan said: "We are delighted to welcome Noel McNamara as the new head coach in 2027. Noel has a long association with the club and emerged as our preferred candidate very early in the process. His transition into the role will be seamless and we look forward to welcoming him here next July after this season reaches its conclusion."

McNamara described the Leinster head coach role as one of the most prestigious in world rugby.

"I'm delighted that I am returning to Leinster as head coach in 2027," he said. "This is one of the most prestigious roles in world rugby and it is an honour to be given this responsibility.

"I'm very grateful to UBB and in particular Laurent Marti and Yannick Bru for supporting me in availing of this opportunity. We have a very exciting season ahead with UBB and I am fully focused on that before moving back to Leinster next summer."

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