Stuart Lancaster Named Connacht Head Coach In Major Coup For The Province
Stuart Lancaster Named Connacht Head Coach In Major Coup For The Province
Connacht Rugby appoints Stuart Lancaster as head coach on a two-year deal, marking a major move ahead of the club’s 140th anniversary season.

Connacht Rugby and the Irish Rugby Football Union have announced the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as the province’s new head coach on a two-year deal.
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The experienced coach will assume the role ahead of the 2025-2026 season, bringing with him over two decades of top-level coaching experience across England, Ireland and France.
Lancaster joins Connacht from French Top 14 side Racing 92, where he served as head coach.
Prior to that, he spent seven successful years with Leinster Rugby, helping guide the club to four consecutive PRO14 titles and four Champions Cup Finals, including a victory in 2018.
From 2011 to 2015, Lancaster was head coach of the England national team, leading them through four Six Nations Championships and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
His coaching career began in Leeds, where he progressed from Academy Head-to-Head Coach of the Leeds Tykes, securing Premiership promotion in his debut season.
“This is a hugely exciting chapter for me and my family,” Lancaster said in a statement. “Connacht has a proud identity, a passionate supporter base and enormous potential on and off the field. I’m honored to lead this program and can’t wait to get started.”
In addition to overseeing the team, Lancaster will be in charge of the defensive unit. He will work alongside new attack coach Rod Seib, scrum and contact coach Colm Tucker, and line-out and maul coach John Muldoon.
Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane called Lancaster’s appointment “a major milestone” for the club.
“Stuart is one of the most respected coaches in world rugby,” Ruane said. “His track record in developing talent and building high-performance teams aligns perfectly with our ambitions.”
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys also welcomed Lancaster’s return to Irish Rugby.
“Stuart’s appointment is a real coup for Connacht and a boost to Irish rugby,” Humphreys said. “His knowledge, experience and passion were clear throughout the recruitment process.”
Lancaster will officially begin his role with Connacht in July as preparations start for the new season. He will be introduced to supporters and media next month.
The announcement comes during a landmark year for Connacht, which is preparing to celebrate its 140th anniversary and the completion of its Dexcom Stadium redevelopment.
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