Connacht confirm Stuart Lancaster as new head coach

The former England head coach has signed a two-year deal. 

IRFU performance director David Humphreys said Stuart Lancaster's "knowledge and enthusiasm for Irish rugby" for clear during the appointment process. Pic: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Connacht have appointed Stuart Lancaster as their new head coach. The former Leinster coach, once head coach of England, and most recently Racing 92, has signed a two-year deal. 

He takes over from Pete Wilkins who stepped down as head coach in April. Lancaster will take up the role in time for the beginning of pre-season training in July.

“I’m hugely excited to be joining Connacht Rugby and begin this new chapter of my life in the West of Ireland with my wife Nina," he said.

"Connacht is a club with a proud identity, a passionate supporter base, and enormous potential both on and off the field, so I’m honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the Professional Men’s team programme.

"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. 

"Ever since my initial conversations with Willie (Ruane), David (Humphreys) and the rest of the selection committee, it’s clear that same belief exists here in Connacht, and that’s why I’m so excited by this opportunity.

"There’s also the fantastic new facilities here at the new High-Performance Centre and Dexcom Stadium, which will further enable us to realise those goals.

"I’m looking forward to working closely with all of the staff and players, and I can’t wait to get to know the supporters and wider community over the coming weeks and months.” 

Connacht CEO Willie Ruane described Lancaster as "one of the most respected coaches in world rugby". 

"He has a proven track record in developing young talent, building a high-performance environment, and most importantly, delivering success and helping teams realise their ambitions," Ruane added.

"His coaching philosophy and his vision for how the game should be played, perfectly matches our own values and our own ambition.

"In addition to Stuart, who will also coach defence, we are equally excited by the recent appointment of Billy Millard as General Manager of Performance and Rod Seib as our new attack coach. Coupled with the excellent coaches we already have in place, in Colm Tucker and John Muldoon, we believe we have a coaching team that will give our players the perfect platform to fulfil their potential and achieve the success that we are all collectively striving for."

IRFU performance director David Humphreys said Lancaster's "knowledge and enthusiasm for Irish rugby" was clear during the appointment process.