The well-known figure in coaching will take over Connacht for a two-year term, returning to Ireland where he enjoyed seven years as a senior coach with Leinster.
It is a huge statement of intent from Connacht, and aligns with its off-the-field development as Dexcom Stadium continues to take shape under the stewardship of CEO Willie Ruane.
Lancaster, who will also take charge of defence, will lead a new coaching set-up that includes Australian Billy Millard - the former assistant coach for Connacht 2011-2013 in a newly created role of general manager of performance - another Australian Rod Seib as the attack coach, and the familiar faces of John Muldoon and Colm Tucker, who was interim head coach following Pete Wilkins’ resignation.
Boasting a wealth of coaching experience across all three major European leagues and at international level, Lancaster has been hailed by Connacht CEO Willie Ruane as “one of the most respected coaches in world rugby”.
“We are absolutely thrilled to appoint someone of his calibre. 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. His coaching philosophy and his vision for how the game should be played, perfectly matches our own values and our own ambition.”
Lancaster, who having left Racing 92 as head coach, visited Dexcom Stadium for one of Connacht’s European clashes. His son Dan, an outhalf, was playing for the French outfit in the Top 14.
And just last month he hinted at a possible return to Ireland in an interview with Off the Ball.
“We were like, God we miss Ireland. I’m not just saying it because I’m on with you guys, but I really had the best time of my career.
“Everyone says you should never go back, but things have changed - Leinster has changed, Ireland has changed, I have changed. I wouldn’t rule out going back at all, but I really enjoyed Leinster, the ability to see the growth in the lads who are selected for the British and Irish Lions, and a couple more who were a bit unlucky. To see their growth from 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds to who they are now and have a big part in their development as young people, I really enjoyed.”
A former flanker with 101 appearances for Leeds Tykes, Lancaster began what has become an extensive coaching career as Leeds RFU head of academy before becoming head coach in 2006. Head of elite player development for the RFU he became England's head coach for four years in 2011. In 2016 he took over Leinster.
Now, he says, he is beginning another new chapter.
“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. 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 are 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 Rugby CEO Willie Ruane hailed Lancaster as “one of the most respected coaches in world rugby”.
“We are absolutely thrilled to appoint someone of his calibre. 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. His coaching philosophy and his vision for how the game should be played, perfectly matches our own values and our own ambition.”
With the recent opening of Connacht’s new High Performance Centre, Ruane says the coming year promises to be among the most historic in the club’s history, marking its 140th anniversary in December and the impending completion of the Dexcom Stadium redevelopment.
“Needless to say, there is a lot to be excited about, and I have no doubt that everyone will share that same sense of excitement and help make this a year to remember.”
Lancaster will take up the role in time for the beginning of pre-season training in July.
