Leo Cullen on Contepomi speculation: ‘I like to think he’s pretty happy here’

Leinster coach Leo Cullen declined to rule out the possibility of his backs coach and former Argentina International, Felipe Contepomi, moving back to South America.

Contepomi has been named as the frontrunner to take over as head coach of Argentina following the resignation of Mario Ledesma last week.

Cullen said it is natural that the the 44-year-old, who played with Leinster between 2003-2009, while studying to be a doctor in the Royal College of Surgeons, would be connected with the job.

“I talk to the guys all the time, and there’s some great people there. When jobs come up, particularly when they’re linked . . . as Felipe said, there are three Argentinian coaches in Europe, so it’s a short list, and he happens to be one of them,” said Cullen.

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"We're lucky that we have a strong group here, there has been speculation and links with Stuart (Lancaster), Robin (McBryde) and Felipe (Contepomi), Denis Leamy is making his way in the senior group as a coach, there will always be that little bit of speculation. I think it's natural he'll be linked to the job."

Contepomi arrived in Leinster as a coach, having played for Argentina in Sevens rugby and 87 times in the 15s game. In 2018, he was appointed as new backs coach to Leinster, succeeding former Irish fullback Girvan Dempsey, who moved to Bath.

“He had tons of experience as a player and is improving all the time as a coach,” added Cullen. “We’re very, very lucky to have him. There are always decisions to be made behind the scenes, but I like to think he’s pretty happy here as well.”