Thursday 21 May 2015 12:13, UK
Head coach Matt O'Connor is to leave Leinster after two seasons in charge.
The Australian succeeded Joe Schmidt in July 2013 but leaves after an unsuccessful second campaign with Leinster captain and forwards coach Leo Cullen taking temporary charge.
O'Connor previously spent three seasons as Leicester Tigers boss, culminating in the 2012/13 Premiership title, and took over from Schmidt in Dublin after the New Zealander left to become head coach of Ireland.
He won the Guinness PRO12 title in his first year in charge and also guided Leinster to the last-eight in the final Heineken Cup competition.
Matt will leave Leinster Rugby with the best wishes and thanks of all involved with the province for all his hard work during his two years.
This season, Leinster topped their European Champions Cup pool before beating Bath but lost in extra-time to treble-winners Toulon in Marseilles in a thrilling semi-final.
A fifth placed position in the PRO12 secured Champions Cup rugby for next season but Leinster's inconsistent form in the league saw the team finish outside the play-off positions.
Leinster Rugby chief executive Mick Dawson said: "During Matt's time here we won the PRO12 during his first season and have made progress in both European campaigns.
"Matt will leave Leinster Rugby with the best wishes and thanks of all involved with the province for all his hard work during his two years.
"We wish Matt the very best of luck for the future and thank him sincerely for his contribution to Leinster."
'Standards'
O'Connor said: "I am disappointed and frustrated with our form in the PRO12 this season. We set high standards for ourselves and for many reasons, we did not achieve those highs throughout the league this campaign.
"However the European journey that we took over two seasons, for a new group of coaches, players and staff, is one that we can be very proud of.
"The dynamic in Europe has changed with meritocracy and fewer teams competing and this has improved the quality.
"We went toe to toe with the best and there is no shame in losing to Toulon by the smallest of margins and I'm extremely proud of the group and the character shown."
O'Connor went on to thank those that had helped him during his tenure.
He added: "I would like to thank my coaching team and the backroom staff for their support and for leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a performance every week.
"I'd also like to thank the players for their application during my time here. They have been a pleasure to work with and I will look back on my time with great fondness for what we achieved together.
"Finally, to the supporters, thanks for making me and my family feel welcome during our time here and I wish Leinster Rugby the very best of luck for the future."
