Following the news that Leinster have lost their most experienced coach in Kurt McQuilkin, Robbie Henshaw and Johnny Sexton are included among a long list of Ireland internationals who will be unavailable for the Pro 12 season opener against Treviso on September 2nd .
Following ankle surgery, Rhys Ruddock will not play until round four, late September, while Sexton (shoulder), Henshaw (12-16 week rehab from knee surgery), Cian Healy (neck and knee), Seán O'Brien (hamstring) and Dave Kearney (AC joint) are all unable to complete a full pre-season.
There is further concern about club captain Isa Nacewa whose level of contact is being managed due to an arm injury. Richardt Strauss is to see a specialist for a "knee issue" while Ed Byrne and Billy Dardis (dislocated shoulder) are on long term injury list.
Leinster are now scrambling to recruit an experienced defence coach before the season gets underway as McQuilkin returns to New Zealand later this month.
The surprise loss of McQuilkin, citing “personal reasons,” combined with Ben Te’o joining Worcester and unexpected retirements of Eoin Reddan and Luke Fitzgerald removes a significant amount of talent but particularly rugby intelligence from Cullen’s Leinster squad.
“I certainly don’t feel threatened,” said Cullen at the suggestion of Leinster hiring an experienced coach, even in a director of rugby capacity. “I loved having (Graham Henry) here. I don’t know the Anthony Foley situation but all I can say, from my own end, is I am still learning, every day. I’ve learnt so much in a short period of time. The experience of last season dealing with some of the challenges it was a tough start to my time I guess with World Cup players unavailable and coming back the season was already up and running.”
Cullen did confirm the head coaching job came at least three years sooner than he expected after Leinster struggled to find an experienced replacement after letting Matt O’Connor go last summer.
“I had signed a three-year contract as Leinster forwards coach so it is very different to what I signed up for, for sure. But I am doing it now so no point in worrying about any of those other questions because I don’t have time to think about the answers.”
