FELIPE CONTEMPOMI has left Leinster to take up a role with the Argentina rugby team as an assistant coach.

The former Leinster player will join Michael Cheika in Argentina as his assistant coach at the end of the season.

The onc-time out-half/center played for Leinster for six seasons before becoming one Leo Cullen's key staff members in 2018.

Speaking on a move back to his homeland, he said: "This is a brilliant opportunity for me and for my family to return home but I would like to say how thankful I am to Leo Cullen and to Leinster Rugby for the opportunity to come back to Leinster and to Dublin over the last few years.

"It was an easy decision to come back to the club and I have loved every minute of my time here working with Leo and all the coaches and backroom team.

Of course, I would also like to thank all the players that I have had the privilege and the pleasure to work with.

My time as a coach has only added to the warmth and the love I have for the club from my time here as a player.

"While there have been great moments on the field, it is the memories and the friendships made off the field that I will take with me.

"There is still of course a huge end to the season to come and I hope to finish the season strong before heading home."

Cullen has also praised  Contepomi for his contribution to Leinster.

"It's been a privilege for everyone at Leinster Rugby to have had the opportunity to work with Felipe over the last four seasons," he said.

"He is a great character to have around and has made a huge contribution to so many areas of the club.

"We were all excited at the thought of 'getting Felipe back’ to coach the group and he has definitely lived up to our hopes. He is a great tactician, and I am sure he will go on to enjoy an outstanding coaching career."