Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has confirmed that defence coach Kurt McQuilkin will be leaving the province ahead of the start of the new season to return home to New Zealand for personal reasons.
Kurt McQuilkin is a former Leinster player and captain and was also defence coach under Michael Cheika as part of the backroom team that brought a first ever Heineken Cup to the province in 2009.
The former Lansdowne clubman, who played 32 times for Leinster and was capped five times by Ireland in the mid-1990s, rejoined Leinster in time for the start of last season and took over the defensive duties for the side.
Under his stewardship Leinster conceded the least amount of tries in the GUINNESS PRO12 as they reached last May’s final at BT Murrayfield.
Commenting on the news, Leo Cullen said: “This is very sad news for Kurt and his family and our priority is supporting Kurt in his decision as best we can.
“He will be with us for a few more weeks but after that he will head back home with our very best wishes in very trying circumstances and with the thanks of everyone at Leinster Rugby for his stellar contribution over the last 12 months.
“The process of replacing Kurt has already begun but right now our focus is on Kurt and ensuring that his move back home is as seamless as possible.”
Leinster conceded 27 tries during the regular PRO12 season and also had the least amount of points conceded at 290. Everyone at Leinster Rugby wishes Kurt, Barbara and the rest of the McQuilkin family the very best of luck with the return home.
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