🟢 Stuart Lancaster Appointed Connacht Head Coach in Largest Signing in Membership’s Historical past
— A New Period Dawns as Lancaster Additionally Takes Over Defence Portfolio
Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have pulled off a seismic teaching coup with the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as Head Coach of Connacht Rugby on a two-year deal. The transfer, which sees Lancaster exchange Pete Wilkins, is being heralded as the most important signing in Connacht’s historical past — and a real assertion of ambition from each the province and Irish Rugby’s governing physique.
The previous England boss and Leinster architect arrives in Galway with a glowing résumé, having most lately led Racing 92 in France following a transformational seven-year stint with Leinster. There, he performed a pivotal function in 4 consecutive PRO14 titles and 4 Champions Cup finals, together with the 2018 triumph.
He additionally takes over because the province’s new defence coach, finishing a refreshed and extremely skilled teaching ticket for the 2025/26 season.
Talking concerning the appointment, Lancaster stated:
“I’m vastly excited to be becoming a member of Connacht Rugby and start this new chapter of my life within the West of Eire with my spouse Nina. Connacht is a membership with a proud identification, a passionate supporter base, and massive potential each on and off the sector, so I’m honoured and humbled to be given the chance to steer the Skilled Males’s group programme.”
More stories“I’m a agency believer in creating an surroundings that permits gamers to thrive and realise their potential, whereas taking part in a model of rugby that conjures up the group of which they symbolize. Ever since my preliminary conversations with Willie, David and the remainder of the choice committee, it’s clear that very same perception exists right here in Connacht, and that’s why I’m so excited by this chance.”
“There’s additionally the implausible new services right here on the new Excessive-Efficiency Centre and Dexcom Stadium, which can additional allow us to understand these targets. I’m trying ahead to working intently with all the workers and gamers, and I can’t wait to get to know the supporters and wider group over the approaching weeks and months.”
Lancaster’s appointment completes Connacht’s teaching ticket for the brand new marketing campaign, with Rod Seib (assault), Colm Tucker (scrum & contact), and John Muldoon (lineout & maul) additionally on board, in addition to Billy Millard lately named as Basic Supervisor of Efficiency.
Connacht CEO Willie Ruane commented:
“Stuart is among the most revered coaches in world rugby and we’re completely thrilled to nominate somebody of his calibre. He has a confirmed monitor document in creating younger expertise, constructing a high-performance surroundings, and most significantly, delivering success and serving to groups realise their ambitions.”
“His teaching philosophy and his imaginative and prescient for the way the sport ought to be performed, completely matches our personal values and our personal ambition. The approaching yr guarantees to be among the many most historic within the membership’s historical past, as we mark our a hundred and fortieth anniversary and the completion of the Dexcom Stadium redevelopment.”
IRFU Efficiency Director David Humphreys added:
“Stuart is a vastly gifted coach with a confirmed monitor document in creating younger expertise and in delivering excessive performing and profitable groups. It was clear within the recruitment technique of his information and enthusiasm for Irish Rugby and this appointment might be an enormous enhance to the sport in Eire.”
“With plans accelerating off the pitch round their new services it’s a vital coup and an actual assertion of intent for Connacht Rugby.”
Pre-season begins in July, with Lancaster set to be formally launched to the media and followers subsequent month. For Connacht supporters, hope is rising quick — the gamers are there, the services are prepared, and now the province has landed a coach of the very best calibre.
Let’s hope he brings the mindset and construction to really change the surroundings round Connacht Rugby. It’s a brand new chapter — and probably the most thrilling one but. 🟢
