Cullen has been in caretaker charge since the end of the season.

Cullen has been in caretaker charge since the end of the season.

LEINSTER HAVE REPORTEDLY backed Leo Cullen to become permanent head coach by offering him a three year deal.

The Sunday Times report this morning that the former captain is set to become head coach, after filling in as caretaker during the off-season and early pre-season.

In the past week, the42.ie have reported that Cullen was the preferred choice to succeed Matt O’Connor as permanent head coach, but that they were waiting on IRFU Performance Director David Nucifora to give the go-ahead on the appointment.

Cullen’s lack of experience is believed to be making the IRFU hesitant to sign off on the deal, with Cullen spending just one season as forwards coach since his retirement in 2014.

The former second row has been assisted by Academy coach and former Irish International Girvan Dempsey, although it is expected that he will return to that role once a permanent backs coach is appointed along with Cullen.