Monday 5 September 2016 21:26, UK
Former England head coach Stuart Lancaster has joined Leinster's senior coaching team for the remainder of the season.
Lancaster's tenure as England coach came to an end in November 2015 when he resigned from his position following a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Since leaving the post, the former Leeds Tykes player has had short-term roles at NFL side the Atlanta Falcons, British Cycling, the Football Association and in New Zealand rugby with Counties Manukau.
At Leinster, Lancaster will join a coaching team that consists of head coach Leo Cullen plus his assistants Girvan Dempsey and John Fogarty.
And Cullen is delighted the club have moved to bring the 46-year-old back into the game as a replacement for Kurt McQuilkin.
Cullen said: "The sad departure of Kurt McQuilkin due to family reasons has brought about an opportunity to bring in somebody new to the Leinster Rugby coaching team.
"Stuart brings a wealth of experience and is a highly respected figure in world rugby. We are all looking forward to having Stuart join our team and together helping the players maximise their potential as a group."
Leinster CEO Mick Dawson confirmed Lancaster would take his post as senior coach with immediate effect until the end of the season.
Dawson said: "We are always looking at options around resources but once we were made aware of Kurt McQuilkin's departure, we narrowed our focus and we are delighted that Stuart has agreed to come on board.
"I know, having spoken at length to Stuart, that he is excited by the challenge of getting into club rugby again and the day to day interaction with players. His first session with Leo, Girvan, John and the players will be later on this afternoon.
"We welcome Stuart to the club. I think our supporters are going to be excited by this announcement and we wish him all the very best for the season ahead."
Lancaster admitted he is glad to return to a regular coaching role and insisted he is happy to work under Cullen.
"It came about around two weeks ago when Leo [Cullen] gave me a ring and asked me if I fancied coming over and have a chat about a potential role," said Lancaster.
"For me, it was a great opportunity to come and have a look and see what was on offer.
"The more we talked, the more it became clear with Kurt [McQuilkin] going there was an opportunity to come in and I think Leo felt I could offer value in attack and defence with the experience I have.
"From my point of view, I am more than happy to work underneath Leo because I don't know the club, the environment, relationships and everything, so it suits me down to the ground just to get back into coaching again."
