Tuesday 26 June 2018 13:51, UK
Leinster have appointed former player Felipe Contepomi as their new backs coach, subject to him being granted a work permit.
The ex-Argentina international made 116 appearances for the province, winning a Celtic League title in 2008 and Heineken Cup the following year.
He replaces Girvan Dempsey, who is joining Aviva Premiership side Bath.
Leinster head coach and Contepomi's former team-mate Leo Cullen said: "We've been working very hard behind the scenes to recruit someone we think can build on the work done over the last few seasons, and who can ultimately add to the systems and the processes we already have in place.
"To be able to call on someone of Felipe's standing, not only within this club but within the game of rugby as a whole, is a huge boost for us as we look towards the season ahead.
"Felipe has spoken so passionately to me about Leinster and wanting to help the players improve so they can achieve their full potential.
"The landscape and the playing group may have changed since he was last here, but the respect that people have for him hasn't. We are all looking forward to welcoming Felipe back to Leinster Rugby."
Contepomi won 87 caps for his country and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame last year.
The 40-year-old has been working in his native Buenos Aires as assistant coach of Los Jaguares and head coach of Argentina XV - the Pumas' A team.
"The UAR [Argentina Rugby Union] gave me the opportunity to develop as a coach in recent years and have now allowed me the opportunity to face this new challenge in Leinster Rugby," he said. "I only have words of thanks for the Union.
"I spent much of my playing career at Leinster and now I'll be back in Dublin to join a great staff and to work with great players. All this is a huge motivation and it will be a great experience to continue growing as a coach.
"I also want to thank the people who worked with me over the last few years, especially the players I had in Argentina XV, for the commitment they had and their desire to learn, because they gave me the opportunity to become a better coach and person."
