Leinster confirm Felipe Contepomi as new backs coach

Leinster Rugby has confirmed former Argentina international Felipe Contepomi as the new backs coach ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Contepomi, who has featured for Argentina in 87 Tests and scored over 650 points was part of Leinster since 2003 and has played for them 116 times. He was part of the Leinster squad that clinched the Celtic League title in 2008 and a Heineken Cup title a year later.

Overall he has amassed 1225 points as a player for Leinster before he moved to Toulon in 2009 and has coaching experience with Argentina XV and Super Rugby club Jaguares.

The 40-year-old is looking forward to returning back to the Irish province and associate with Leinster once again.

“The UAR gave me the opportunity to develop as a coach in recent years and have now allowed me the opportunity to face this new challenge in Leinster Rugby. I only have words of thanks for the Union.

“I spent much of my playing career at Leinster and now I’ll be back in Dublin to join a great staff and to work with great players. All this is a huge motivation and it will be a great experience to continue growing as a coach.

“I also want to thank the people who worked with me over the last few years and especially, the players I had in Argentina XV, for the commitment they had and their desire to learn, because they gave me the opportunity to become a better coach and person.”

Meanwhile, head coach Leo Cullen is delighted about reuniting with his former team-mate and is confident that Contepomi's addition will benefit the club.

"We’ve been working very hard behind the scenes to recruit someone we think can build on the work done over the last few seasons, and who can ultimately add to the systems and the processes we already have in place," he told Leinster's official website.

“To be able to call on someone of Felipe’s standing, not only within this club but within the game of rugby as a whole, is a huge boost for us as we look towards the season ahead.

“Felipe has spoken so passionately to me about Leinster and wanting to help the players improve so they can achieve their full potential.

“The landscape and the playing group may have changed since he was last here, but the respect that people have for him hasn’t. We are all looking forward to welcoming Felipe back to Leinster Rugby.

“Finally I would like to thank the UAR for their help in this matter and for facilitating Felipe’s release.”