Easterby: Cullen could cut it as coach

Leinster manager Guy Easterby believes Leo Cullen has the attributes to become a successful coach but refused to be drawn on suggestions the club’s captain could start that line of work at his home province next season.

Cullen’s name has been prominent in the discussion as to who will replace Jono Gibbes, the New Zealander who leaves for Clermont Auvergne next summer after five hugely successful years as forwards guru with the Irish province.

Cullen, now 35, signed on for the current campaign last March when penning another one-year deal. He is the only man to have lifted the Heineken Cup on three different occasions.

He has made over 200 appearances for his home province and has been a key cog in the transformation of Leinster from perennial nearly-men into a side that has been so consistent in the Celtic League and Europe over the last five years.

Cullen’s leadership off the park has been as integral to that as his input on it. Along with Shane Jennings, he returned home after a two-year spell with Leicester Tigers and helped imbue the same winning mantra into the Irish province.

With players such as Jonathan Sexton and Isa Nacewa departed, Brian O’Driscoll due to retire this summer and others such as Jennings nearing the end of their playing careers, Cullen’s cultural affinity would seem even more advantageous.

Easterby pointed out that Cullen has yet to decide on whether or not to play on next season but he also rejected the notion that it would be a problem for him to coach players he had so recently played alongside.

“In some cases it could be. But Leo is just the type of person I think could do it. That isn’t to say that he wants to do it but there are certain people who you would say could do it and the level of respect Leo has got from within the squad and also from all the staff and everyone involved in Leinster… he has been the figurehead for a number of years now and carries himself superbly.

“He has all the characteristics that you would look for but he might decide that it is not something he wants to do or we might decide it is not the best time. As it stands now, is he someone who is capable of doing it? Absolutely.

“I wouldn’t say that for everyone.”

Cullen is, however, still out of action with an Achilles injury and will be unavailable for Saturday’s annual trip to Thomond Park where Munster await. So too will Jennings and prop Michael Bent. That aside, the province is in decent shape after last weekend’s defeat of Cardiff Blues with all their returning Lions, as well as Fergus McFadden, coming through their first seasonal starts unscathed.

Lote Tuqiri and Gordon D’Arcy are also in contention while Sean O’Brien and Luke Fitzgerald may yet make the squad. Eoin Reddan, Kevin McLaughlin and Mike McCarthy have also returned to the panel after being stood down against the Blues ahead of the derby and the first two rounds of the Heineken Cup.