Cullen returning to Leinster

Leicester second row Leo Cullen will rejoin Leinster this summer having today finalised a three-year-deal with Michael Cheika's side. The Australian coach was always confident the 28-year-old Irish international would return to his former stomping ground once his two-year contract at Welford Road expires in June.

Indeed, Cullen's return is another coup for Cheika who has already secured the services of Cullen's team-mate Shane Jennings - also returning for a second spell - for next season.  Captain Brian O'Driscoll and Argentine outhalf Felipe Contepomi have also recently been secured for the long term.

Cullen appeared 83 times for Leinster before moving to Welford Road in 2005 where he has enjoyed a successful spell with a club he has at times captained.  Tigers coach Pat Howard is a keen admirer of Cullen's leadership qualities and once described him as Martin Johnson's natural successor.

"Leaving Leicester was a difficult decision, and I had to think long and hard about it," Cullen said.   "I have really enjoyed my time with the Tigers and I feel that I'm a better player for the experience.

"Playing in Welford Road is a special experience and to lead the team out that I have admired for so many years on a few occasions was a real privilege.

"Now that I am committed to returning to Leinster, I am very excited about the future.  These are good times for the province, there is a great coaching set-up in place and a young and very talented group of players.  I want to be part of that again and it would mean a lot to me to win a major trophy with Leinster."

But before entertaining such notions the Wicklow man must focus his attentions on a Heineken Cup quarter-final date at home to Stade Francais on April 1st. Two-time winners Leicester are second favourites to win the title and Cullen is eager both he and Jennings sign off their English jaunt with a tilt at European glory.

"We are still well placed in all three competitions (Premiership, domestic cup and Europe) and it would cap off two great seasons personally if I could help play a part in winning some much sought after silverware.

"I am sorry to be saying goodbye to Leicester but when I got the opportunity to come home to Leinster, I knew the time had come to do so," Cullen added.  "I am a Leinster man born and bred, my family and friends are all here, and this is where I want to be."
 
While Jennings' return provides Cheika with a selection headache in an already competitive back-row, Cullen's presence beefs up a department somewhat light on numbers.  Currently only Malcolm O'Kelly, Trevor Hogan and Owen Finegan are recognised senior lock forwards in the Leinster pack.

Cullen will hope his return boosts his chances of an Ireland recall.  He has featured 18 times for Ireland since making his debut against New Zealand in 2002 but, along with the likes of Bob Casey and Matt McCullough, was overlooked in the extended Six Nations squad named last week by coach Eddie O'Sullivan.