Below you see the reactions by way of comments and tweets to HarpinOnRugby's social media channels throughout the afternoon following the news of Matt O'Connor's departure by mutual consent from Leinster Rugby. I think you'll find the opinion is rather more varied than some in the mainstream media would have you believe.
Nothing to celebrate here. LR hired the man and I've no doubt he did his best to be successful. It didn't work out for either him or his LR paymasters. LR now need a total review of the coaching setup, and I include the presence of Leo Cullen in that.
Gary Gleeson
*****
Wish him all the best. Never a nice thing to happen to anyone, whatever the job and remuneration.
Catherine Kavanagh
*****
It is sad to read the news, but as a coach he hasn't developed Leinster to the next level, brought through new players and issues with the IRFU made the position difficult. But as others have already said, you have to look at the roles of Cullen and Caputo too going forward. We don't need a high profile coach, but one who can develop this squad and bring us lol back to the top table. Names like Jackman, Dempsey and even Gibbes will be touted, but it wouldn't surprise me if it is another Kiwi or Australian at the helm.
John Peeters
*****
Happy birthday to me happy birthday to me happy birthday to mmmeeee happy birthday to me
Chris McDonnell
*****
He has left a very good defensive set up behind him; even stingier than under Joe, a real challenge for the new manager to keep that stingy attitude and get champagne rugby back when the space is created.
Kevin Kelehan
*****
Think Mick Dawson's made the right decision. The worst season in 11 years has to have consequences. Mediocrity is not an option, if Leinster want to remain a top team in Europe. Hopefully this news will give the season ticket sales a boost!
Riocard Ó Tiarnaigh
*****
Handled very professionally by Leinster and its players, given it must have been known for a month or two now. Credit to them and best of luck to Matt: the wrong man for the job but seemed like a decent guy.
Ricardo Mof
*****
I WILL reiterate what I've said over and over. He is a good coach and will make a good No 2 OR Director of Rugby at a club whose style suits both of them......it's just not Leinster Rugby. I wish MOC the very best in his future. The "Hybrid" style of rugby WILL continue at Leinster but it will be developed to the correct attacking style. Now is the time to continue the positive forward momentum......MOC gone......JS10 returns......Isa Isa Isa returns......"Reasons To Be Cheerful.....1,2,3".......oh and it isn't the right move to put Leo in as Temp Head Coach. Step up Girve the Swerve!
Joe Sheppard
*****
Tough decision all round - Matt had to deal with a number of squad changes & coming in after Joe and it would have been interesting to see how next season would have worked out with both Isa & Jonny back. However some of the play this year was sloppy and much more of an A team / B team gap which we hadn't seen for a few years, but that isn't all on the coaching staff either. Interesting to see who gets appointed as Dawson & Cos track record is pretty good.
Richard Collumb
*****
disgracefully hounded out of the job in the name of Leinstertainment
Shane Lenihan
*****
@HarpinOnRugby Just like my girlfriend dumped me by mutual agreement(!)
— Conor Quinn (@conorquinn85) May 21, 2015 *****
(on possible replacements)
Ruddock or Jackman.
Please God no on Kidney or O'Sullivan
Gillian Whelan
*****
Please please please please please please please please please please please not OSullivan
Odran OBrien
*****
Ruddock could be a great option!
Rachael O'Brien
*****
Would like to see Ruddock/Berch/Gibbes and hopefully Girv will be involved as backs coach. Apparently Robbie Deans has been cut from 20/1 to 1/3 on Betfair (h/t to Andy McGeady). That wouldn't be too shabby either.
Alan McCormack
*****
Surprised to see Pat Lam mentioned only once here, I like the idea of Jackman based on his work in France also.
Jonathan Hollywood
*****
Sir Clive?
Martin Savage
*****
Does anyone have a phone number for Nick Mallett?
Andrew Byrne
