Leinster Set to Hand Top Job to 2006 IRFU Schoolboy Player of the Year

Bernard Jackman joined Murray Kinsella on Monday’s edition of Rugby Weekly Extra and sparked a massive debate among Leinster fans with his comments about the future of the province. With Leo Cullen departing, the search for Leinster’s next head coach has been the subject of much speculation, and Jackman dropped a major hint about the identity of the man who could be taking the reins.

Prendergast has been highly praised for his impact at Leinster since his return in 2020, transforming the province into one of Europe’s top sides once again. Jackman and Kinsella assessed the assistant coach’s performance this season and explored the prospect of him becoming the new head coach.

'They're pretty clear that they want Prendergast' Jackman stated during the podcast, speaking about the coaching dynamics. While nothing has been confirmed by the province yet, the signs all point to the Irishman taking on a more prominent role in the coming season.

During his previous stint with the province from 2006 to 2012, he worked under Michael Cheika and Joe Schmidt as Leinster won the Champions Cup for the first time in 2009, followed by two more titles in 2011 and 2012. This success could well be replicated if the fans' wishes are met in the summer. He's had similar success as part of Ireland's U-20 coaching staff, helping the younger age group achieve Grand Slam success and a World U-20 Championship title.

Ireland U-20’s Grand Slam success in 2019 – a first for the age-grade since 2007 — marked another milestone in his distinguished coaching journey, according to Irish fans.

So far this season, many factors seem to be well in Prendergast's favor in securing the top job position and is now waiting on Leinster and the IRFU to confirm the new appointment. He is undoubtedly the fans' favorite pick to succeed the outgoing Cullen and to guide Leinster in their bid to European glory and to become a successful Pro14 and Champions Cup side once again.