Stuart Lancaster’s search for a new role following his departure from the England job after the 2015 World Cup disaster ended today when he joined Leinster.
The former England head coach has been appointed as the Irish province’s new senior coach following the departure of Kurt McQuilkin and he will work alongside Leo Cullen, the head coach.
Lancaster has recently been helping coach Counties Manukau in New Zealand as part of a world-wide search for coaching experience and a new job. While in New Zealand he said:” I would like a full-time job back in rugby at some point, whether that’s in France, a different international team or the southern hemisphere, I’m quite open minded.”
He lost the England role after the Cup hosts failed to get out of the pool and was tipped to take over Queensland Reds. However, his desire to being involved with a Super Rugby team has now been put to one side as he starts a new role with the Dublin based former European champions.
Leinster Rugby Head Coach Cullen said, “The sad departure of Kurt McQuilkin due to family reasons has brought about an opportunity to bring in somebody new to the Leinster Rugby coaching team.
“Stuart brings a wealth of experience and is a highly respected figure in world rugby. We are all looking forward to having Stuart join our team and together helping the players maximise their potential as a group.”
Leinster Rugby CEO Mick Dawson confirmed that former England head coach Lancaster would join the Leinster Rugby coaching team as a Senior Coach with immediate effect until the end of the season.
Dawson said, “We are always looking at options around resources but once we were made aware of Kurt McQuilkin’s departure, we narrowed our focus and we are delighted that Stuart has agreed to come on board.
“I know, having spoken at length to Stuart, that he is excited by the challenge of getting into club rugby again and the day to day interaction with players. His first session with Leo, Girvan, John and the players will be later on this afternoon.
“We welcome Stuart to the club. I think our supporters are going to be excited by this announcement and we wish him all the very best for the season ahead.”
Lancaster, 46, is a former Leeds Tykes player and after coaching the club following his retirement, he was appointed as the RFU’s Head of Elite Player Development in 2008 which included coaching the England Saxons.
He was appointed to the role of England head coach in 2011 and led the team to second place in four successive Six Nations championships before being replaced by Eddie Jones in December last year.
Since leaving his position with the England, Lancaster has visited all of the major Southern Hemisphere nations and had short term roles with the Atlanta Falcons teaching them how to tackle rugby union style. He was also part of the group looking at British Cycling’s world-class performance programme.
Leinster Rugby Coaching Team:
Leo Cullen: Head Coach
Stuart Lancaster: Senior Coach
Girvan Dempsey: Assistant Coach
John Fogarty: Assistant Coach