Matts gone

[domhnallj]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/b ... 40794.html

[COYBIB]

Wow...

Very pleased it has happened, but did not expect either him to do the honourable thing or Leinster to do the correct thing. I wonder if he jumped or was he pushed.

Let the speculation begin! I'm going with Gibbes and Dempsey becoming senior backs coach.

[Lamb of BOD]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/b ... 40794.html

Well, well, well. Have to say I'm surprised. Pleasantly surprised

[bilco]

It was inevitable after break down in relationship with the IRFU

Will be difficult to get a top coach this year though.

[blockhead]

Grotesque, unbelievable, bizarre and unprecedented!

[cormac]

Wasn't expecting that. Please tell me we've someone lined up to replace him.

[Exley]

The right call, though I didn't think we would actually make it.

I would love Gibbes back, but I would be surprised if he came.

[COYBIB]

It was inevitable after break down in relationship with the IRFU

Will be difficult to get a top coach this year though.

I don't think that argument stacks up though, usually referenced because of the world cup. Whilst that applies to players, I don't think it applies to coaches. If anything, it's better to do it before the world cup before potentially an influx of better jobs than Leinster become available after the world cup. We're never in the business of going after top tier, international coaches - the usual names of Jake White or Nick Mallet or whatever are unrealistic. It will almost always be one of the most highly rated assistant coaches in Europe / Super Rugby / ITM / Currie Cup or with some head coach experience.

I would say there is already a shortlist drawn up. I posted this previously, but number 1 and 2 on my list would be Alex King (Northampton assistant coach) and although very unlikely Rob Baxter (Exeter Head Coach). Other candidates would be Johnno Gibbes coming back (Clermont Assistant Coach), he has another year on his contract but I'm sure he could negotiate a release for a head coach job if there's not already a stipulation in his contract.

There are some really good coaches in the southern hemisphere also, Tom Coventry would have been a superb appointment, but he's going to London Irish, but I think we'll definitely be able to draw up a list of quality candidates.

[tigerburnie]

I'm not surprised really, good luck to him. As for your replacement, is there no-one within to be a DOR and then support with specialist coaches, Cullen springs to mind( and no you can't have Geordie Murphy)

[ribs]

Yay! wish him well but time for a change. Time to renew a season ticket now. So Leo looks after the out of season training, Girve is in Georgia and could step in if necessary. Exciting times. It's been a month since the rumour he was leaving did the rounds (one month's notice?). I'd say Leinster is a very attractive opportunity now for any coach. Joe was a tough gig to follow but the next appointment just needs the full group of players to give it a shot (rugby world cup disruption gives a good chance to set things up internally).

[Lamb of BOD]

I wonder if he jumped or was he pushed.

Let the speculation begin! I'm going with Gibbes and Dempsey becoming senior backs coach.

RTe are reporting it as having been pushed.

It is being reported that Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor has been sacked from his post following a disappointing season

I'd be happy with a Gibbes/Dempsey ticket. It's my understanding that Dempsey is on a career path with the Leinster Branch that should ultimately see him taking the top job. It may be a little too early for him this time around. I've been expecting him to be announced as backs coach - regardless of whether or not MOC had stayed. Will be interesting to see what happens now

[Pendragon]

Surely you don't take that kind of action without knowing who is going to replace him?

[arsebiscuits1]

Robbie Deans is in Ireland next week with the Baabaas...

[nopeare]

Didn't think they'd make that call even though (imo) it's the right one. Like others have said fingers crossed for Gibbes and Dempsey

[jimbobjoe]

Genuinely surprised at that. It really seemed he was going to be let see out his contract. I think it's best as things probably would've regressed next year too. I think an interim coach of Girv or Ruddock would be a good shout; that way a post 6N assessment can be done and if they don't cut the mustard aim for a higher profile coach.

[OTT]

And to think I thought Mick Dawson was 'Real Rugby People'.

[ChrisUppy]

Wonder how this will effect recruiting? Surely high profile players would like to know who the head coach is going to be before signing on

[cormac]

Wonder how this will effect recruiting? Surely high profile players would like to know who the head coach is going to be before signing on

Our recruitment is done for next season

[Dave Cahill]

Wonder how this will effect recruiting? Surely high profile players would like to know who the head coach is going to be before signing on

Our recruitment is done either ways

[ChrisUppy]

Does that mean we've no more announcements to come? or have we some unannounced deals done?