It's been a rapid rise for former Leinster captain Leo Cullen. Appointed as a forwards coach at the province last year straight after his retirement, he has now been handed the reins of the top job at his home province.
As he processes that career change, Off The Ball's Dave McIntyre caught up with the 37-year-old former international second-row.
"I got an email from Pat Lam as well saying he got the Auckland head coach job at 36 and that would have been his home club. So it's a very similar situation. Am I ready? I don't know if I'll ever be ready. I feel like I'm learning all the time and I think that's important that I continue the learning process," he told Dave.
"It's a great opportunity for me. I was put in that position initially as interim head coach. The first thing I would've said to Leinster was 'make sure you go out and get the best person for the job' and they've come back and decided that I'm that person for the job," he said, adding that he "fully understand that it will be difficult at times".
He also explained that the absence of front line players during the Rugby World Cup will allow Leinster to cultivate young talent, and spoke about the brand of rugby he intends to play.
"There is a certain Leinster way in my head and what I would perceive to be the Leinster way," he said.
"We want to play an attractive brand of rugby. If you asked someone on the street what they perceive to be the Leinster way, that's generally what people have in their heads. They want to see a team that is coming up with innovative ideas, that is attractive to watch, that wants to go out with the intent to play with the ball in hand."
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