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.

“We knew we were going to have to replace Joe in 15 months’ time, unfortunately that came about quicker than expected. Matt has been on our radar; he’s a backs coach so he fits into things. We have a lot of the back-up staff in place, the likes of Greg Feek and Jono Gibbes, so we needed someone with the same skill set [as Schmidt], which we felt Matt had.”

Dawson added that 42-year-old O’Connor, who has also coached Australia A, had the backing of the squad.

“The players are very much part of what we do. There’s no point in bringing in someone, and after a couple of months you find that the players think he’s not the right man for the job,” he told RTÉ 2FM’s Game On.

“They don’t have a veto or the ultimate say in the matter, but we’d be very conscious of what they want. The senior players seem to suggest he is the right man for the job.”

He also moved to allay fears that Schmidt might come calling to bring some of the Leinster backroom staff into the Ireland fold. “My understanding is that all our backroom staff will be in place, they’re all contracted to Leinster next year. I’m sure Joe might dip in at times, certainly during the Six Nations or something like that, but I haven’t heard that he’s interested in any of them at the moment.”

O’Connor said he was “delighted” to be joining Leinster, having helped Leicester to two Aviva Premiership titles during a five-year tenure at Welford Road.

“The playing staff, coaching team and facilities are first class and I have been hugely encouraged by the hunger within the province to push on despite enjoying an unprecedented period of success on the field in recent years.

“At this time my focus remains with Leicester, but I would like to thank the Leinster board for this vote of confidence. My family and I are hugely excited about starting this new chapter in our lives.”

Dawson added that Leinster’s transfer business was finalised with the recent addition of Springbok Zane Kirchner, while adding his voice to those hoping Brian O’Driscoll will give it “one more year” as demanded by the RDS crowd during the Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final win over Biarritz.

“We have done all our business. We’re hopeful that Brian will play for another year, and if that happens it would complete our squad for the coming season.”