Leinster Rugby head coach Leo Cullen, the first man to win the Heineken Champions Cup as a player and a coach, has agreed a new two-year contract with the Irish province.

The 45-year-old Irish international, who has been head coach since August 2015, skippered Leinster to three titles, before coaching them to the trophy in 2018 and this season guiding them to the top of Pool A with four bonus-point wins, the only side to achieve that feat.

Speaking to leinsterrugby.ie, Leinster Rugby CEO Shane Nolan said: “This is great news for all Leinster Rugby supporters.

“Since 2015, Leo has done a remarkable job as head coach of Leinster Rugby and securing his signature was one of my top priorities.

“The consistency and the leadership he displayed as a player, we see again as head coach in keeping Leinster Rugby competitive season after season.

“I wish him all the very best for the run of games that we have left this season and for the two seasons beyond that. It’s an exciting time ahead and I am delighted that Leo is with us to drive the club forward.”

Cullen retired from playing at the end of the 2013/14 season and was initially appointed as forwards coach in the summer of 2014 under Matt O’Connor, before being named head coach a year later.

He commented: “It is a great honour for me to be asked to extend my time at Leinster Rugby. I feel very fortunate to able to work with such a brilliant group of people here.

“We are entering a really exciting period of the season and we are all focused on delivering our best in front of lots of people who have backed us all through our careers.”

Next up in the Heineken Champions Cup for Leinster is a home Round of 16 tie against Ulster Rugby at the Aviva Stadium on April 1.