Irish win swung it for Lancaster

Stuart Lancaster was appointed England head coach after the crowd rose to acclaim him and his team for their Six Nations win over Ireland, RFU Chief Executive Ian Ritchie has confirmed.

Lancaster yesterday signed a deal until January 2016 after an impressive spell as caretaker coach, which culminated in a comprehensive 30-9 victory over Declan Kidney’s side at Twickenham.

That win was followed by vocal support from the crowd towards Lancaster, and Ritchie admitted he could not ignore the fact the 42-year-old had restored public faith in the team after a disastrous World Cup in New Zealand, which was marred by off-field issues and poor performances.