NEIL BACK is the leading candidate to complete the Leinster coaching ticket for next season.
The World Cup winning openside flanker in 2003, Back went straight from playing to the coaching staff at the Leicester Tigers upon retirement in 2005. He was also instrumental in identifying Shane Jennings as his ideal replacement. The St Mary's College flanker returned to Leinster this season after a successful two- year stint in England.
Michael Cheika spoke on Wednesday about an active search for a new forwards/scrum coach to replace former All Black Mike Brewer who is seeking a head coaching job elsewhere. "I think that's a natural evolution for Mike," said Cheika. "I had no plans on hiring him, I just met him when I was here, but he has done a really good job over the last three years. When he finds where he wants to go he will do a good job.
"We may take a bit more time finding a replacement. We have actually advertised that job. With the backs I was very clear on the profile, type of person I wanted. Apart from the forward coaching style, Mike had an unbelievable knack of doing video. He picks up so much in the analysis side of the game."
Back won 66 England caps, featuring in three World Cups, he went on three Lions tours (1997, 2001 and 2005) and played 339 first team matches for the Tigers, scoring 125 tries, before a gradual progression into coaching that begun while still a player in 2003. His current position at Leicester is technical coach, which includes first-team defensive duties and overseeing the Tigers academy.
Former Lansdowne and Ireland centre Kurt McQuilkin has already been re-signed as Leinster defence coach, along with Alan Gaffney who will be in charge of the backs, so Back's remit would primarily be with the forwards. It is a role he would adopt alongside Cheika who also works regularly with the pack.
Confirmation of the signing would certainly add an extra spice to the Munster/Leinster rivalry as Back famously denied Munster a last-minute attacking platform in the 2002 European Cup final when he slapped the ball out of Peter Stringer's hand and into the Leicester side of the scrum.
Cheika also stated a ready made replacement for Keith Gleeson was graduating from the academy this season. UCD, via Tullow, flanker Seán O'Brien has been signed up on a full contract. "He's hard as nails. If we bring him on right he's going to be a good player so it is not going to be that easy for Jennings. There's going to be another one coming in the background to give him a run for his money."
