Lancaster lands URC coaching gig

Former England and Racing 92 boss Stuart Lancaster has been appointed head coach of Vodacom URC outfit Connacht.

The 55-year-old links up with Connacht for pre-season training in July, after signing a two-year deal that brings one of Europe’s most experienced tacticians to the Irish province.

He previously spent seven years as senior coach at Leinster, helping to guide the team to four straight PRO14 titles and four Investec Champions Cup finals, including the 2018 crown.

His coaching CV also includes four years as England head coach, leading them through four Six Nations campaigns and the 2015 World Cup. Before that, he headed the RFU’s elite player development.

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At Connacht, Lancaster will also oversee the team’s defence, rounding out a coaching group that includes new attack coach Rod Seib, scrum and contact guru Cullie Tucker and lineout/maul specialist John Muldoon.

“I’m hugely excited to be joining Connacht Rugby and begin this new chapter of my life in the West of Ireland,” he told the club’s official website. “Connacht is a club with a proud identity, a passionate supporter base, and enormous potential both on and off the field.

“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.”

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