Glennon quits Leinster post

Jim Glennon has resigned as Leinster team manager with effect from the beginning of next season. The former Ireland international second row will conclude an eight-year tenure, having completed his present duties which involve the negotiation of provincial contracts for next season.

Glennon has been team manager since 1995 and before that spent two seasons coaching Leinster and one as a selector. The parting was amicable. "I just felt that it was the right time to move on," he explained. "When I was asked to stay on a couple of seasons ago, I said I would do so as long it was necessary to stabilise things in the new professional environment."

When asked to recall his favourite moments from his time with the province he served both as a player and administrator, Glennon chose three. "The first breakthrough was in 1993 when we beat Ulster 25-0 at Donnybrook to stop them getting 10 interprovincial titles. I was coach at the time and it was a huge psychological breakthrough.

"The second was in 1995 when Leinster won 10 matches in succession and the season culminated in a place in the European Cup semi-final. The third would have to be beating Leicester last season. It underlined the potential that this province has under the new system. They are capable of matching the best."

The Leinster Branch has known of Glennon's decision for some time, but there is no plan to announce a successor in the short term.

Glennon now hopes to devote his leisure time to improving his golf handicap of 18.