LEINSTER HAVE ANNOUNCED the appointment of Charlie Higgins as the province’s new Head of Athletic Performance following the departure of Dan Tobin.

43-year-old Higgins joins the backroom team at the RDS for the new season after spending five years with Super Rugby side Western Force.

Higgins brings a huge amount of experience to the role having worked in both the northern and southern hemisphere, including stints with the Waratahs and Bath.

“This is a hugely important appointment and I am delighted that Charlie has decided to join us in Leinster,” Leo Cullen said. “It is no easy decision to relocate to another country but he is looking forward to the challenge.

Higgins assumes the position vacated by Tobin, who left Leinster at the end of last term after 10 years with the province to take up the role of Head of Strength and Conditioning with Gloucester.

“In only one week here, I have already seen the dedication and the application of the players on the pitch and in the gym and that is replicated by the staff,” Higgins commented.

“I am hugely excited by the challenge that lies ahead and I look forward to making my contribution to Leinster Rugby.”

Higgins’ arrival follows the appointment of World Cup winning coach Graham Henry as a consultant on a short-term basis.