Cullen led the province on seven occasions last year since his return from the Leicester Tigers in the summer of 2007.

The Newtownmountkennedy man has made 102 appearances in two spells for the province (17 in total as captain) between 2003 and 2008.

Having been a part of last year's leadership team, this appointment ensures continuity and Cullen will be joined by Shane Jennings and Chris Whitaker who have been named as vice captains.

Name: Leo Cullen
Position: 2nd Row
Club: Blackrock College RFC
Province: Leinster
School: Blackrock College
Date of Birth: 09/01/1978
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 110kg

Official Leinster Caps: 102*

Points Scored: 15 (3 tries)
Leinster 'A' Caps: 5
Senior Debut: Friendly, 13-15 win v Edinburgh Reivers at Kelso, 04.09.1998
Magners/Celtic League Caps: 49* (1 try)
Leinster Heineken Cup Caps: 38* (1 try)
Heineken Cup Debut: 56-31 loss v Stade Français in Stade Jean-Bouin, 17.10.1998

Ireland Caps: 19 (2002 - )
Ireland Points:
Ireland 'A' Caps: 17 (Captain v England in 2006/'07)
Ireland Under-21 Caps: 16 (14 as Captain)
Leinster Under-20 Caps: 7
Ireland Under-19 Caps: 4 (3 as Captain)
Ireland Schools Caps: 7
Leinster Schools Caps: 3 (Also played in all 8 games on 1995/'96 Australia tour)

Leicester Tigers Appearances: 56 (15 as Captain)
Leicester Tigers Heineken Cup Appearances: 12

* Denotes 83 Caps won in previous spell (37 in Celtic League, 32 in Heineken Cup)