Leinster was quick to react after the surprise departure of defense coach Kurt McQuilkin. The Leinster province did not waste much of its time and started to carry out discussions with many coaches to fill the shoes of Kurt.
There is no doubt that Kurt had left a void, according to Leo Cullen, the head coach. He had to leave due to family reasons and it is for Leinster management to bring in someone with a positive attitude into the squad.
McQuilkin is leaving the team before the 2016/17 season opener against Treviso, slated for 2nd September. Leinster has made a massive effort in finding a replacement for Kurt and has spread their net far and wide. Leinster had Graham Henry and Andy Farrell in their mind, but they are out of reckoning now. Farrell will not be able to devote a lot of time to Leinster rugby as he has international duties to attend to coming in November.
Henry returning to coach Leinster is most unlikely after he had returned to New Zealand after a two week stint at Leinster. John Fogarty, the scrum coach of Leinster, said that he has his roles to play for the New Zealand international rugby team and also his family is located there. So, Mike Ford is the best bet as he brings in a lot of experience with him. He has been with the Irish rugby for many years and has also the experience of the coaching Irish national team as a defense coach from January 2002.
Mike Ford is looking to put his coaching career back on line by coaching the Leinster province. The move to Leinster would help Ford to return to Ireland where he has worked previously under Eddie O’Sullivan as the defense coach from 2002 to 2005. His appointment would bring to Cullen’s coaching team a lot more experience.
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