McNamara to Leinster made official

Bordeaux confirmed on Tuesday that their attack coach will leave, even though he had recently extended his contract until 2029.

In Bordeaux until the end of the season

The club said it “fully understands this exceptional opportunity to lead Leinster’s first team” and expects his full commitment until the season ends. McNamara arrived in summer 2023 alongside Yannick Bru, whom he had worked with at the Sharks, and was part of both of Bordeaux’s Champions Cup titles in 2025 and 2026.

Chosen ahead of Nienaber

Leinster confirmed the appointment. “Noel has a long association with the club and emerged as our preferred candidate very early in the process”, CEO Shane Nolan said. Jacques Nienaber, a World Cup winner with South Africa and a Leinster coach since 2023, missed out, while Argentina boss Felipe Contepomi withdrew because of his 2027 World Cup commitments, according to Planet Rugby.

McNamara’s only senior head coach role so far was with Leinster A. He led Ireland U20 to the Grand Slam in 2019 before moving to the Sharks and then Bordeaux.