Stuart Lancaster hits out at criticism of England coaching role
Monday 5 September 2016 18:31, UK
Stuart Lancaster has reacted angrily to the suggestion he was not involved in much hands-on coaching during his four years as England boss.
The 46-year-old has joined Leinster as a member of their coaching team for the rest of the season, his first extended role since stepping down as England head coach in November 2015 in the wake of his team's disappointing World Cup campaign.
He has been named Leinster's new senior coach and will work under head coach Leo Cullen, having filled various short-term roles this summer for British Cycling, the FA, Atlanta Falcons and in New Zealand domestic rugby.
Lancaster guided England to four straight Six Nations runners-up spots as head coach and then became the first to fail to steer a World Cup host nation out of the pool stage.
High-profile coaches Andy Farrell, Mike Catt and Graham Rowntree also left their posts after Eddie Jones was appointed but Lancaster has been quick to counter suggestions they carried out most of England's training sessions.
"I've coached virtually every part of the game, whether I go back to my teaching career 'til I was 30, but I've coached now for 16 years," said Lancaster, whose main responsibility at the Irish province will be to coach defence.
"I think there was a perception in England that I probably didn't do any coaching.
"Andy Farrell clearly led on the defence when I was with England (but) I was coaching defence not less than three weeks ago in New Zealand.
"(At) Counties Manukau my main remit was to coach defence, so I've got my own philosophy. Clearly it's been influenced by the people I've worked under as defence coaches.
"I watched Mike Ford when he was England defence coach, obviously Andy Farrell latterly, I worked with Paul Gustard in Argentina when he came with me.
"I think I understand a lot about defence but equally as I mentioned earlier on, I've got a reasonably broad range and hopefully I can influence the attacking stuff as well and also reach down a bit to some of the academy work.
"I come from a player development background, my role in England was not just head coach, (I was) head of elite player development, and I like to think I can offer Leinster something in that regard as well."
Among those to give their approval to Lancaster's role was former fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, who made his last international appearance just before Lancaster succeeded Martin Johnson as England coach.
"Congratulations to a great guy. Congratulations to Leinster Rugby for such a good signing," he tweeted.
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