LONDON, June 3, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Former England boss Stuart Lancaster was Tuesday announced as the new head coach of Irish province Connacht.

  The 55-year-old has signed a two-year contract and will oversee pre-season training in July.

  Lancaster was appointed England head coach in 2011 before leaving following a dismal home World Cup in 2015.

  He was most recently head coach of French club Racing 92, having worked as a senior coach at Irish province Leinster between 2016 and 2023.

  "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," Lancaster said.

  Connacht chief executive Willie Ruane said: "Stuart is one of the most respected coaches in world rugby and 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."

  Connacht had a difficult 2024/25 season, finishing 13th in the 16-team United Rugby Championship to miss out on the play-offs and Champions Cup qualification.