LEINSTER HAVE ANNOUNCED that former England boss Stuart Lancaster has joined their coaching staff with immediate effect until the end of the season.
Lancaster has been out of a full-time job since departing his England role following the highly disappointing World Cup campaign on home soil last year.
With defence coach Kurt McQuilkin leaving Leinster to return to New Zealand for personal reasons, the eastern province had been searching for an experienced coach to join Leo Cullen and co.
Leinster say 46-year-old Lancaster has joined as “Senior Coach” alongside Cullen, with Girvan Dempsey and John Fogarty continuing as assistants.
“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,” said Cullen.
“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.”
Formerly a player with Leeds, Lancaster first coached in the club’s academy, before taking on a role as head coach of Leeds Carnegie. He was appointed as the RFU’s Head of Elite Player Development in 2008, a role that entailed leading the England Saxons.
He succeeded Martin Johnson as England’s senior team head coach in 2011.
Since his departure from that job following the pool-stage exit at last year’s World Cup, Lancaster has spent time with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, the English FA, British Cycling and Mitre 10 Cup outfit Counties Manukau.
Leinster Rugby CEO Mick Dawson welcomed the appointment:
“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,” said Dawson.
“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 is set to be introduced to the media at Leinster’s UCD base this afternoon.
– First published 09.48
