“When I spoke to Kurt, last year, about the possibility of coming back to Leinster, he couldn’t get on a plane enough.” – Leo Cullen on Kurt McQuilkin.
McQuilkin is heading back to his native New Zealand after receiving dire news about the health of family members.
The former Leinster player, who then had coaching spells at the province under Michael Cheika and Cullen, made his decision at the start of this week and broke the news to his employers. Such is his commitment to Leinster that he will stay on for a fortnight to see that the current staff and players are not left short.
As Leinster defence coach, last season, he oversaw a team that conceded just 27 tries over 22 regular season games. They allowed one in the semi-final win over Ulster before getting their docket punched by a vibrant Connacht side in the decider.
Players that worked under the Kiwi during his two coaching stints at the province speak highly of the enthusiasm, passion and structure he brought to the table.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen played with McQuilkin back in the 90s – a 19-year-old prospect soaking up all the teak-tough Kiwi captain had to impart. Cullen told us there is no set plan for getting in a replacement:
“We’ve been working away behind the scenes, trying to get a proper plan in place. Kurt will be with us for the next couple of weeks as we finalise those plans.”
The news is relatively fresh for Leinster but there are two immediate options that come to mind, before a long-term replacement is brought in.
Simon Easterby (Ireland forwards coach) and Andy Farrell (Ireland defence coach) will both be extremely busy come October on but there is a possibility that one of them could be seconded it out to Leinster while they seek out other candidates. Farrell had a four-month stint at Munster, helping out Anthony Foley, last season.
The IRFU are looking to move away from coaches sharing roles – hence the permanent Ireland posts for Richie Murphy and Greg Feek – but they may accommodate Leinster due to the special circumstances. That would be a conversation to Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson and the overseeing union.
Leinster had been hoping to bring in former Crusaders attack coach Tabai Matson, earlier this year, but he ended up taking the head coach job at Bath Rugby.
Right now, their immediate concern is in defence.
On the latest episode of the GAA Hour Hurling Show Wooly and the lads reflect on a monumental weekend of action. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes
