After much speculation, Noel McNamara has been handed the keys at Leinster to replace outgoing head coach Leo Cullen.

McNamara is currently attacking coach at Bordeaux Begles, and helped to mastermind a dominating victory over Leinster in the Investec Champions Cup final in May.

When he was announced, McNamara described the Leinster job as “one of the most prestigious roles in world rugby”.

But what will the 43-year-old bring to the Irish province when he takes over next year?

Ireland full-back Hugo Keenen has a long-standing relationship with McNamara, which goes back to when he was playing for UCD in the All-Ireland League, and he said it was “great news”.

The pair would have more interactions at Leinster when McNamara was working at the province as academy manager and Leinster A’s head coach.

After five years in Dublin, where he also coached Ireland’s Under-20s to Grand Slam success in 2019, McNamara made the move to South Africa in 2021 to join the Sharks as attack and backs coach.

From there, he joined Bordeaux in 2023 and has helped the French side to back-to-back European titles.

Keenan, who is in Ireland camp ahead of November’s Nations Championship matches, said it was “an exciting appointment”.

“It’s good to have him on board and I think that’s the general feedback amongst the squad,” Keenan said.

“I’m sure he’s got a different perspective of things, by getting out of the building, going down to South Africa, challenging himself down there, and going so well and thriving at Bordeaux.”

Leinster know first hand what a McNamara-led attack can do, which was evident in the Champions Cup final in May.

The Irish province had no answer to Bordeaux in Bilbao as the French outfit made it consecutive European crowns with a crushing 41-19 win.

After that win, McNamara told BBC Sport he had used golfer Rory McIlroy, who had not long won back-to-back at the Masters, as motivation for his players.

McNamara had also spoken about Leinster’s character in bouncing back after so many defeats, and said “tough times create tough people”.

“Obviously, we know what he’s achieved at Bordeaux and he’s been on the better side of a few results than us recently,” Keenan added.

“You see what their backline and attacks have been producing, and I suppose that’s his fingerprint on it.

“I’m excited to see what he has and to work with him. I think it’s positive for me and everyone at Leinster.”

Keenan added that the departing Cullen was “big boots to fill” after a trophy-laden 12 years with Leinster.

The former Ireland second row has led Leinster to six league titles and the Champions Cup in 2018, but his side subsequently lost five finals in the competition, including four in the past five years.

Keenan added that the fact McNamara knows the province will help him evolve the side.

“He knows the club itself and he’s been through the ranks,” Keenan added.

“I’d like to think he’s got an ability to grow the club now and grow the way we play, but while keeping how we like to play and the Leinster identity as well, so I think that’s important.”

But for Keenan, there is one attribute that has stuck out that he believes will help McNamara shift from an attacking coach to head coach.

“His man-management and his presence in a room,” the 30-year-old continued.

“I still remember it from the get-go, from when he was a head coach back in the day with how well he speaks.

“I’m sure that’s the same again, and I’ve talked about the technical points on the backs and the attack that I think he can bring as well, so it’s exciting.”