Former Wallaby centre Gary Ella was this afternoon confirmed as the new Leinster head coach.
Ella (42), who has signed a three-year deal, takes up the reins at Donnybrook from compatriot Matt Williams who departed earlier this summer to coach the Scottish national team.
Ella, a member of an illustrious Australian rugby dynasty along with brothers Mark and Glen, won six caps for Australia in the eighties.
Since hanging up his boots the Sydney native has enjoyed successful coaching roles at club side Randwick and, more recently, the New South Wales Waratahs where he worked as a specialist backs coach under Bob Dwyer.
He has also had a coaching stint with the Australia A side.
Speaking from his home in Sydney, Ella expressed his eagerness to start work with Leinster and stated his intention to make the province the strongest club side in Europe.
"The Leinster Lions are one of Europe's top teams and their already strong squad has been added to since last year," he said. "My aim is simply that Leinster will be the most successful team in every competition.
"I am genuinely eager to get back to Dublin, where I've had three tours ('78 Schools, '81 Wallabies, '96 Waratahs). I've had the privilege of working with Keith Gleeson and Christian Warner already here in Sydney and I'm keen to renew our contacts".
Commenting on Gary Ella's appointment, Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson said: "Leinster are delighted that Gary Ella is our new Head Coach. Gary has tremendous qualities as a coach and his rugby knowledge is immense.
"There is no doubt Leinster has a team capable of winning the Heineken Cup . . . last season proved a huge disappointment. Next year we expect to be in contention for Heineken Cup and Celtic League honours".
"We are confident that, with Gary Ella, Willie Anderson and Roly Meates pushing the buttons, our skilled squad can go further. Felipe Contempomi, and all our other signings to date are also expected to enhance our challenge next season".
Ella, who is on holiday in Australia, will be officially unveiled as Leinster coach at the end of the month.