O’Connor capture ‘sends right message’ to Leinster fans

Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson admitted it was important to get Matt O’Connor in situ as soon as possible as the Australian was revealed as the province’s new coach yesterday.

O’Connor’s move from Leicester Tigers was completed just seven days after incumbent Joe Schmidt completed his move into the Irish hot seat, the one-cap former Wallaby signing a three-year deal with Leinster.

“It gives the players, supporters and season ticket holders a clear message that we knew what we were at,” said Dawson. “He was somebody who had been in our sights for a long time and it was important to get it done quickly.