Lancaster: Just like England, failure can fuel Irish players

Stuart Lancaster believes the disappointment felt by Ireland’s World Cup contingent can spur the four provinces to memorable heights in Europe, just as it did their English counterparts four years ago.

England, under the guidance of Lancaster at the time, became the first hosts to be eliminated at the pool stages of a World Cup thanks to defeats by Wales and Australia in 2015. But the players involved responded in some style in the months that followed.