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Stuart Lancaster: Former England coach to become Racing 92’s director of rugby

Former England head coach Stuart Lancaster will leave Leinster at the end of the season to take up the director of rugby role with French side Racing 92.

Lancaster joined Leinster in 2016 as a senior coach working with head coach Leo Cullen contributing to a successful period for the club.

Four-year deal

The 52-year-old signed a four-year contract with Racing 92 set to start on July 1, with coach Laurent Travers set to take up the chairman role of the club’s new management board.

Lancaster is excited to start in his new role and looks forward to working in Paris as the club pushes for European success.

“It is with great joy and pride that I am taking on the role of director of rugby for Racing 92,” Lancaster told the Racing website. “I thank Laurent Travers and the whole club for the trust they have chosen to place in me.

“I know the responsibilities that will be mine at the head of this extraordinary squad, certainly one of the most competitive in Europe. I look forward to working with all these talented players to support me in my mission.”

Lancaster admitted he only planned to stay at Leinster for one season but ended up staying for seven, winning four PRO14 titles and one Champions Cup along the way.

“Initially it was for just one season, and here I am entering my seventh,” he told the province’s website.

“And that is a reflection on all the players past and present I have worked with and the people of Leinster and Ireland who have made me and my family feel so welcome.

“I have always wanted to challenge myself as a coach in different ways, and the opportunity to coach in France at a club like Racing 92 is an exciting one. I will look forward to that challenge when it comes.”

Significant influence at Leinster

Cullen praised Lancaster’s influence on Leinster from top to bottom and said the club is “fortunate” to have had the coach in their structures for so long.

“Stuart has been a brilliant asset to Leinster Rugby since he joined us in 2016,” Cullen said.

“He has helped us to grow at all levels, both through his work with the senior team and his willingness to get involved with under-age teams as well as clubs around the province, where he is always so generous with his time.

“I think there has always been a realisation that Stuart would move on to a new challenge at some stage. For that reason, we feel fortunate to have had him here for as long as we have.”

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