Leinster Rugby have confirmed that Matt O'Connor is to leave the province at the end of the season by mutual agreement. The announcement was made by Leinster Rugby CEO Mick Dawson.
"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." stated Dawson on the Leinster website.
O'Connor, who was previously coach with the Leicester Tigers for four seasons, took over at Leinster Rugby at the start of the 2013/14 season and won the PRO12 title in his first year in charge.
This season, Leinster topped their Champions Cup pool to secure a home Quarter-Final against Bath before coming up short against Toulon after 100 minutes in Marseilles in the Champions Cup Semi-Final.
A fifth placed position in the Guinness PRO12 secured Champions Cup rugby for next season but the side missed put on the play offs this season.
"I am disappointed and frustrated with our form in the PRO12 this season," explained O'Connor to the Leinster website. "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."
Leo Cullen has been confirmed to be taking over the team on an interim basis until a replacement had been found.
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