Leo Cullen praises Josef Schmidt, Michael Cheika for Leinster success

Leinster captain Leo Cullen has praised coach Josef Schmidt and his predecessor Michael Cheika for their roles in the club's record-breaking success.

The Irish club, who recorded the biggest win in Heineken Cup final history with the 42-14 victory over Ulster, will become the first side since 2004 to win a domestic and European double if they overcome Ospreys in Sunday's RaboDirect PRO12 final.

"Joe brings a relentless pursuit of excellence," Cullen explained. "He demands high standards, and it is great for the players. All the coaching staff work so hard with this squad.

"In 2007 I couldn't really see how the team was going to be successful. But Michael Cheika then came in as coach and changed the mentality. He brought in some quality players and some good young players came through as well.

"It wasn't pretty when we won the Heineken Cup in 2009, we sort of fell over the line in the final against Leicester at Murrayfield, but the belief was there and we knew we had to kick on after that."

Schmidt took charge of the Dubliners in 2010, after Cheika had led the team for five years.