Leo Cullen says a report that he has agreed a two year contract extension as Leinster head coach is "all speculation".
It would be a massive shock if the 48-year-old was to leave the province in the summer, when the latest of the one-year deals he has signed is set to expire.
Instead, it is expected that Cullen will sign on the dotted line in the near future.
“Time will tell," said the 45-year-old, speaking at the RDS yesterday at a press conference for this evening's URC clash with Cardiff at the same venue.
"That’s all speculation, we’ve lots of contractual stuff going on in the background.
"We’re very much in the here and the now. We’ve had a very busy period over Christmas, it would be amazing to put in a big performance at the RDS, then we’ll have a little bit of time for reflection after that.
"We're always having these conversations, for staff and players."
The Blues boss also addressed the claim that Stuart Lancaster will not be replaced by someone outside the current coaching group, but that Andrew Goodman and Sean O'Brien may take on extra responsibilities.
Lancaster, Leinster's influential senior coach, is taking over as head coach of Racing 92 in the summer, leaving a big void for the province to fill.
Cullen said: "Just because something is written in the paper doesn't mean it's always true, does it? That's the unfortunate, sad state of affairs with media, isn't it?
"But that's just speculation. So papers can write speculation, can't they - they don't always necessarily have to be factually correct."
Leinster's unbeaten season-long run will be tested as an experienced Cardiff side takes on the table-toppers who are without their 20-strong Ireland contingent who are in Portugal ahead of the Six Nations.
The visitors can call on Welsh internationals of the calibre of Liam Williams, Rhys Priestland, Tomos Williams and more.
Rhys Ruddock skippers Leinster, meanwhile, and Cullen is banking on the back row along with other experienced performers such as Luke McGrath, Ross Molony, Michael Ala'alatoa and Dave Kearney to guide a host of youngsters.
James Culhane and Aitzol King are poised for their Leinster debuts off the bench, while reserve Will Connors is also ready for his first action since a bicep injury in October.
“We’ve a number of guys that are just itching to play," said Cullen. "You’d like them just to enjoy playing with the group.
"There are challenges, you’re putting a group together for the first time.
"It’s sort of the start of this group’s journey as such and you want them to really flourish. You want to try and do everything you can to help them."
This time last year saw second row Joe McCarthy make his Leinster debut in a defeat to Cardiff. Now, with his Ireland debut already achieved, the 23-year-old is in Portugal with Andy Farrell's squad.
The pathway is there and that's the carrot for the young players getting a chance this evening.
"Joe made his debut with Dev Toner in the second row and Dev is no longer in the group," said Cullen.
"You’re always thinking back and it’s a year, a lot has happened since that game.
"Great to see Joe progress, he’s obviously gone on to represent Ireland. We’ve two uncapped players on the bench, it will be amazing to see their journey if they were fast forward a year to where Joe is.
"For an academy player into the team, that’s how quickly it can change in this business. All the while, there’s young players coming in - they’re taking their notes, going through their routines.
"You’re never quite sure how everyone steps up to the next level, but they’re all working hard. It’s a great opportunity for guys at this stage of the season.
"A lot of guys have probably known that this is a window that was coming for them over the last couple of weeks. I'm excited, let's see what we can do."
Leinster – C Cosgrave; M O’Reilly, L Turner, B Brownlee, D Kearney; H Byrne, L McGrath; M Milne, J McKee, M Ala’alatoa; R Molony, B Deeny; R Ruddock (capt), S Penny, M Deegan. Reps: T McElroy, M Hanan, T Clarkson, J Culhane, W Connors, N McCarthy, C Tector, A King.
Cardiff – R Priestland; O Lane, R Lee-Lo, B Thomas, J Harries; J Evans, L Williams; B Thyer, K Myhill, K Assiratti; L Timani, S Davies; J Turnbull (capt), J Botham, J Ratti. Reps: K Dacey, C Domachowski, W Davies-King, R Thornton, S Lewis-Hughes, E Bevan, A Summerhill, M Morgan.
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