Stuart Lancaster makes shock return to Ireland after signing deal with URC province
Stuart Lancaster when in charge of Racing 92.
Stuart Lancaster has been unveiled as the new head coach of Connacht after signing a two-year deal with the United Rugby Championship (URC) outfit.
The former England boss joins with a wealth of coaching experience at the highest level of the sport, across all three major European leagues and at international level.
Lancaster most recently served as head coach of Racing 92 in France, and before then enjoyed a hugely successful seven-year spell as senior coach of Leinster. With primary responsibility for the day-to-day coaching of the team, he helped lead Leinster to four PRO14 titles and four Champions Cup finals, including a triumphant campaign in 2018.
Led England at 2015 World Cup
He made the move to Leinster after four years as head coach of England, with whom he led for four Six Nations campaigns and the 2015 World Cup in his native country.
As head coach, Lancaster will also have responsibility for defence, thereby completing the next campaign’s coaching team. Joining him will be new attack coach Rod Seib, scrum and contact coach Cullie Tucker, and lineout and maul coach John Muldoon, with Lancaster delighted to sign the deal with Connacht as he returns to Irish soil.
“I’m hugely excited to be joining Connacht Rugby and begin this new chapter of my life in the West of Ireland with my wife Nina. Connacht is a club with a proud identity, a passionate supporter base, and enormous potential both on and off the field, so I’m honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the Professional Men’s team programme,” he said.
“I’m a firm believer in creating an environment that enables players to thrive and realise their potential, while playing a brand of rugby that inspires the community of which they represent. Ever since my initial conversations with Willie, David and the rest of the selection committee, it’s clear that same belief exists here in Connacht, and that’s why I’m so excited by this opportunity.
“There’s also the fantastic new facilities here at the new High-Performance Centre and Dexcom Stadium, which will further enable us to realise those goals.
Leinster issue ‘no further update’ message about one their three injured British and Irish Lions
“I’m looking forward to working closely with all of the staff and players, and I can’t wait to get to know the supporters and wider community over the coming weeks and months.”
Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane hailed the appointment as Connacht look to hit back from a disappointing URC season that saw them win just six of their 18 matches.
“Stuart is one of the most respected coaches in world rugby and we are absolutely thrilled to appoint someone of his calibre,” he said.
“He has a proven track record in developing young talent, building a high-performance environment, and most importantly, delivering success and helping teams realise their ambitions. His coaching philosophy and his vision for how the game should be played, perfectly matches our own values and our own ambition.
“In addition to Stuart, who will also coach defence, we are equally excited by the recent appointment of Billy Millard as General Manager of Performance and Rod Seib as our new attack coach. Coupled with the excellent coaches we already have in place, in Colm Tucker and John Muldoon, we believe we have a coaching team that will give our players the perfect platform to fulfil their potential and achieve the success that we are all collectively striving for.
140th anniversary
“After just recently moving into our new High-Performance Centre, the coming year promises to be among the most historic in the club’s history, as we mark our 140th anniversary in December and the impending completion of the Dexcom Stadium redevelopment. Needless to say, there is a lot to be excited about, and I have no doubt that everyone will share that same sense of excitement and help make this a year to remember.”
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added: “Stuart is a hugely talented coach with a proven track record in developing young talent and in delivering high-performing and successful teams.
“It was clear in the recruitment process of his knowledge and enthusiasm for Irish Rugby and this appointment will be a huge boost to the game in Ireland.
“With plans accelerating off the pitch around their new facilities it is a significant coup and a real statement of intent for Connacht Rugby. On behalf of the IRFU I am delighted to welcome Stuart back to Ireland and wish him well for the coming seasons.”
READ MORE: Cardiff sign ‘technically excellent’ and ‘really passionate’ pair of international tightheads
