Confusion over Stuart Lancaster’s future after head coach ‘announces Racing 92 departure’ – report
Stuart Lancaster when in charge of Racing 92.
Conflicting reports are emerging from France over the future of Racing 92 head coach Stuart Lancaster, whose job is under significant pressure.
The Paris outfit have struggled this season and it was reported by French journalist Tanguy Scigala on Monday that the former Leinster coach told the players that he would be leaving.
“According to my information, Stuart Lancaster announced his departure to the Racing 92 players this morning,” Scigala wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Scigala also added that it may be confirmed before the end of the year, writing: “If what I have been told is true (as long as it is not official we remain conditional) it will be for after Boxing Day!”
But that claim is at odds with Sud Radio, who believed that there was no meeting between Lancaster and the Racing squad.
“Stuart Lancaster is still the coach of the @racing92. According to our information, there was no meeting between the players and the staff today. The professional group is on vacation until December 26,” they wrote.
Munster links
According to former England fly-half Andy Goode, the players have grown frustrated with Lancaster and that the 55-year-old is looking to replace Graham Rowntree at Munster.
“I’m hearing Lanny, either he wants out or they want him out… Apparently, the French lads are not happy with Stuart Lancaster whatsoever and I’m not sure Lanny’s enjoying it – that relationship with the French lads and the club,” Goode said on The Rugby Pod.
That has also been disputed, however, with Daily Mail journalist Chris Foy stating last week that Lancaster is not looking to join Leinster’s arch-rivals.
Foy also added another interesting nugget of information regarding the future of Felix Jones, whose stint at England ended on December 13.
“Plenty of noise right now about Racing and Stuart Lancaster – with reports that he is angling for the vacant Munster job,” he wrote on X.
“Info I have is that he is NOT after that job; he has NOT had any contact with Munster and neither has anyone on his behalf.
“Clearly issues at Racing (squad in transition and lots of players on long contracts, big money) but no suggestion Lancaster is seeking an early exit.
“Munster; info so far is that Mike Prendergast will take charge after departure of Rowntree. Felix Jones on wish-list though…”
Stuart Lancaster nears exit as Racing 92 call ‘crisis meeting’ for wantaway coach – report
Lancaster’s Paris stint
Lancaster joined the Parisians ahead of the 2023/24 season after a successful stint at Leinster, where he rebuilt his career following England’s 2015 Rugby World Cup disaster.
However, he has not matched expectations since moving to the French capital.
In his first season, they just about squeezed into the play-offs in sixth place before being ousted by Bordeaux-Begles 31-17 in the Barrages.
Racing have followed that up with a disappointing first half of the 2024/25 campaign with them residing in ninth position, eight points off the top-six, after seven defeats in 12 matches.
They have not fare too much better in the Champions Cup either. Although the Parisians opened with a tense home victory over Harlequins, they were dreadful a week later as the Frenchmen went down to Sale Sharks in Greater Manchester.
It has therefore left him teetering on the brink at Racing.
