Stuart Lancaster has been appointed as Connacht's new head coach.
Lancaster replaces Pete Wilkins, who left the team in April, and will take up his duties at the start of next season on a two-year deal.
Lancaster's most recent job was as head coach of Racing 92 in France, after a successful seven-year stint as senior coach at Leinster.
He helped Leinster win four consecutive PRO14 titles and reach the European Cup final, including victory in the 2018 decider.
As head coach, Lancaster will also be responsible for defense, rounding out the coaching staff for next season. Joining his staff will be new offensive coach Rod Seib, scrimmage and contact coach Callie Tucker and lines and mauls coach John Muldoon.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Stuart Lancaster said: “I am thrilled to be joining Connacht Rugby and starting a new chapter in my life in the West of Ireland alongside my wife Nina. Connacht is a club with a proud history, a dedicated fan base and huge potential both on and off the pitch, so it is an honour and privilege to lead the professional men’s team programme.
“I truly believe in the need to create an environment that allows players to develop and achieve their potential through playing rugby while inspiring the community they represent.
“From the first conversations with Willie, David and the rest of the selection committee it was clear that Connacht shares the same values and that is why I am so excited about this opportunity.
“In addition, there are exciting new opportunities here in the new High Performance Center and Dexcom Stadium that will help us further realize these goals.
“I look forward to working closely with all the staff and players and I can’t wait to meet the fans and wider audience in the coming weeks and months.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
