Stuart Lancaster appointed Connacht Head Coach

Connacht Rugby has confirmed the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as their new head coach on a two-year contract.

The experienced English coach will begin his new role ahead of pre-season training in July, returning to Irish rugby following his tenure at French side Racing 92 and a highly successful period with Leinster Rugby.

The 55-year-old will oversee the professional men’s team programme and take charge of the team’s defensive systems.

His arrival marks a significant milestone for Connacht, as they look to strengthen their performance structures and competitiveness in the United Rugby Championship.

“I'm hugely excited to be joining Connacht Rugby and begin this new chapter of my life in the West of Ireland with my wife Nina,” Lancaster said.

“Connacht is a club with a proud identity, a passionate supporter base, and enormous potential both on and off the field.

"I'm a firm believer in creating an environment where players and coaches are driven to become the best version of themselves.

"Ever since my initial conversations with Willie [Ruane], David [Humphreys] and the rest of the selection panel, I've been struck by the ambition and desire for success.”

“There's also the fantastic new High Performance Centre which is as good as anything I've seen, so everything is in place to build something very special over the next few years.

"I'm looking forward to working closely with the coaches and staff, and doing everything I can to help bring success to the club.”

Lancaster’s appointment completes Connacht’s senior coaching team for the 2025/26 season, which also includes Rod Seib as attack coach, Colm Tucker as scrum & contact coach, and John Muldoon as lineout & maul coach.

Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane welcomed the new head coach, saying:

“Stuart is one of the most respected coaches in the game and we’re thrilled he has agreed to become our new Head Coach.

"He has a proven track record in getting the best out of players and coaches and his coaching philosophy and his vision for the future of Connacht Rugby very much aligned with our own.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys also expressed his support for the appointment:

“Stuart is a hugely talented and experienced coach who will bring a renewed ambition to Connacht Rugby. It was clear in the recruitment process that he has the skillset and leadership qualities to help Connacht deliver success on and off the field.”

“With plans accelerating off the pitch, we’re excited by what Connacht Rugby can achieve under his guidance. On behalf of the IRFU, I’d like to congratulate Stuart and we look forward to working with him over the coming seasons.”