It has been a busy couple of days for Leinster Rugby, who finally confirmed the appointment of Leo Cullen as the permanent replacement for Matt O’Connor on Wednesday morning.

The former Blues captain was appointed on a two-year contract, and having worked as forwards coach last season under O’Connor in addition to a highly successful playing career with the province, he feels that an understanding of the Irish system is an essential part of his new job.

“I understand the dynamic. It is a massive part of the remit of a provincial coach, to ensure there is a steady supply of Irish talent coming through the system,” the Wicklow native remarked in Leinster HQ yesterday.

“The national team is something where we want a young guy to walk in here, whether that’s from a school or a club, and he has ambitions to play for Ireland and potentially beyond that as well. With the Lions say for example.

“We would almost question a player who didn’t have those aspirations, because other players should be aspiring to play for Ireland, that are qualified to play for Ireland.”

Because of his limited coaching experience, this opportunity has come Cullen’s way earlier than he may have expected. He explained that he took his family into consideration and believes he has a very strong back room team which made the offer too good to refuse.

“I have a lot of faith in the people that are around me. A lot of faith in people in Leinster. It is a big part of what I have done. It occupies a lot of thoughts every day of my life.

“I am not going to dwell too much now that I’ve committed to doing it. Of course I went through that process particularly with my family. I understand that affects them as well and that is probably my biggest consideration taking on the role.”

Owing to the success that Leinster have enjoyed in recent years, the expectations supporters have for the team have become extremely high. As a result, there was a level of frustration with the way the team performed last term, but in referencing the silverware they have secured in recent seasons, Cullen isn’t prepared to temper these expectations.

“I hope not. I want, we want, to be ambitious. And if we’re an ambitious club, we want fans that come out and support an ambitious club. If you look back at the recent history with Leinster; in 2008, they win the Magners League at the time; in 2009, win a European trophy; 2010, where we lose in the semi-final of Europe and lose in the final of the Pro12; 2011, win in Europe again, lose in the final of the Pro12; 2012, same again; win in Europe, lose in the final of the Pro12; 2013, win the Amlin trophy and winning the Pro12; 2014, win the Pro12.

Last year, we didn’t win silverware, so there’s going to be questions asked about that. The landscape is changing in Europe, it is getting harder and harder.

“I don’t want to spout clichés, but that is an actual reality. The resources that other teams are putting into that competition are greater and greater, that weren’t there five or six years ago.”

Although their Pro12 campaign won’t get underway until September 4 against Edinburgh, Cullen will take charge of a Leinster team for the first time in a pre-season friendly encounter with Ulster in Kingspan Stadium this evening (7.30pm kick-off).

Cullen wasn’t certain yesterday about the availability of the Leinster contingent in Ireland’s World Cup training squad for this game, but did reveal that he is communicating with Joe Schmidt on a consistent basis.

“I’m trying to figure out what Irish guys are playing. Some of those guys will come back into the mix with us. I am in constant dialogue with Joe about how we integrate some of those guys back into our system,” Cullen added.