Connacht Rugby: Stuart Lancaster appointed head coach on two-year deal

Connacht have appointed former England boss Stuart Lancaster as their new head coach on a two-year deal.

Lancaster, who has been out of work since leaving Racing 92 earlier this year, will replace Pete Wilkins, who stepped down after Connacht’s Challenge Cup exit in April.

Having spent four years as England head coach before leaving following a disastrous 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign, Lancaster was appointed Leinster senior coach in 2016 and helped lead the side to four consecutive league titles and Investec Champions Cup success in 2018.

Lancaster says he is “hugely excited” for the latest chapter of his career.

“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,” said the 55-year-old.

“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, Connacht chief executive], David [Humphreys, IRFU performance director] 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.”