Felipe Contepomi appointed Leinster’s new Backs Coach

Leinster Rugby have confirmed that former Leinster Rugby and Argentina player Felipe Contepomi has been appointed the club’s new Backs Coach, subject to being granted a work permit.

Having joined in 2003, Contepomi played 116 times for Leinster during his time in blue winning a Celtic League title in 2008 and a Heineken Cup title a year later before joining Toulon.

Speaking on the appointment, Head Coach 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.

“Finally I would like to thank the UAR for their help in this matter and for facilitating Felipe’s release.”

During his time with Leinster, Contepomi was nominated for the IRB Player of the Year Award in 2007 and until last season was the record all-time point scorer for the club with 1,225 points.

Internationally he won 87 caps for Argentina and was a key member of the team that finished third in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.