Irish province Connacht have named ex-England boss Stuart Lancaster as their new head coach.
Lancaster, 55, arrives on a two-year deal. He has been out of work since departing French club Racing 92 mid-season.
He will replace the outgoing Pete Wilkins, who departed after Connacht were knocked out of the European Challenge Cup in April.
Lancaster was at the helm with England for four years. But he left after the side’s calamitous pool stage exit at the 2015 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
He then moved to Leinster in 2016, guiding them to four straight league titles and the 2018 Champions Cup.
Connacht Rugby and @IrishRugby are delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as the club's new Head Coach.
Welcome to Connacht, Stuart! đź’šhttps://t.co/bZRssBAh8S pic.twitter.com/vIo1jtevty
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) June 3, 2025
Stuart Lancaster ‘Hugely Excited’ To Join Connacht
Discussing this latest move, Stuart Lancaster was thrilled at the opportunity to join Connacht.
He said: “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, Connacht CEO], 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.”
Stuart Lancaster Returns To Ireland After Racing 92 Departure
But while Lancaster’s time with Connacht’s Irish rivals Leinster was a success, his most recent position was not.
He left Parisian outfit Racing 92 in February after a dreadful run of form.
The team failed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions Cup, and sat 12th in the Top14.
Lancaster’s departure from Racing has also sparked rumours that Owen Farrell could be nearing a Saracens return.
The former England captain joined Racing under Lancaster, but has struggled significantly.
Despite things not clicking in Paris, Connacth CEO Willie Ruane praised Lancaster, and highlighted his past success.
“Stuart is one of the most respected coaches in world rugby and we are absolutely thrilled to appoint someone of his calibre,” said Ruane.
“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.”
Connacht Rugby Could See Major Revival Under Lancaster
Connacht have often been the poor relation of Irish Rugby. That’s despite boasting to of Ireland’s biggest stars in Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen.
The Galway side rarely threaten the top half of the URC table. They have only competed in the top-tier Champions Cup five times in their history, never progressing beyond the R16.
And they have finished 11th or lower in three of the last four URC seasons.
Connacht rugby 2015/16
The club won the Pro 12 beating Leinster 20-10 in the final#connachtrugby #classicrugbyshirts pic.twitter.com/MV6JDKbm2f
— Classic Rugby Shirts (@classrugbyshirt) March 31, 2024
Connacht’s only league title came in 2016, when they won the then Guinness Pro 12.
But the arrival of a proven, international standard head coach in Lancaster may improve their fortunes.
