Lancaster named England coach

From BBC - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17547312:

Stuart Lancaster named permanent England coach by RFU

Stuart Lancaster has been named permanent England head coach on a contract until January 2016.

The 42-year-old was interim boss for the Six Nations, after Martin Johnson resigned, and led England to second place with four wins from five matches.

"I am immensely honoured and proud to accept this role," said Lancaster, who was interviewed for the job, along with former South Africa coach Nick Mallett.

The contract runs until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup hosted in England.

Lancaster's first major task as permament head coach will be picking a squad for the three-Test tour of South Africa in June.

Later this year England play Fiji, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand on consecutive weekends in their autumn programme.

"We have a massive task ahead of us in South Africa this summer and we have 37 games before that first World Cup match on home soil, so every second counts in developing players who can win that tournament - which has to be the ultimate aim," said Lancaster.

Forwards coach Graham Rowntree is expected to remain part of Lancaster's team but he faces a battle to retain Andy Farrell, who acted as backs and defence coach during the Six Nations.

Saracens are reluctant to release Farrell from his job as first-team coach at the club.

Lancaster was the number one choice with players, with back-row forward Phil Dowson saying the whole squad would back him.

"We spoke to him at the end [of the Six Nations] and I think he was absolutely exhausted because he left no stone unturned in terms of creating an environment and an atmosphere that was akin to a club," said Dowson.

A former director of rugby at Leeds, Lancaster was in charge of England's Saxons second team and elite player development at the RFU before taking over the national team.

As temporary boss, the former school teacher helped restore morale and reputation following England's dismal World Cup campaign, which saw a quarter-final exit and was marred by off-field controversies.

After news of his permanent appointment broke, England and London Irish prop Alex Corbisiero said on Twitter: "Right decision has been made."

Ian Ritchie, the RFU's new chief executive, oversaw the recruitment process and said Lancaster had "the skills and vision" needed to be a success.

He was assisted by an advisory panel comprising Conor O'Shea and Ian McGeechan - the Harlequins and Bath directors of rugby respectively - the RFU's professional rugby director Rob Andrew and former England flanker Richard Hill.

"We have been through a rigorous and global selection process and are confident that Stuart is the right person to lead England Rugby forward into the 2015 Rugby World Cup," said Ritchie.

Lancaster's period as interim coach included a victory over World Cup finalists France in Paris and a 30-9 defeat of Ireland at Twickenham.

Former England coach Dick Best told BBC Radio 5 live that Lancaster deserved the job, but faced a difficult start.

"He has done remarkably well in a short space of time. The honeymoon period is now over. It's a fairly tough beginning for his full-time role," he said.

"They are on course but they have to go up a couple of notches from the Six Nations for the games in South Africa and the autumn."

Rowntree being kept on is a no brainer....but it'll be very interesting to see who else comes in....

It would be nice if Lancaster could retain Farrel aswell as Rowntree.

All three of them played a vital role in the 6ns. As the saying goes they started this turn around in England, so they should carry on.

Right decision

Deserves it

Fully deserves it. Good luck to him

Happy days are here again

Fair play he deserves a chance after the 6N.

Lets hope it was not a flash in the pan though or it could be a long 4 years.

So if not Farrell then who gets the backs job??

Whilst I agree about the appointment in general, I am surprised to see the length of his appointment. He´s now effectively been given the job until well after the next World Cup. Whilst no one can fault his job in the 6N, there´s still a lot of rugby to be played with a 3 match series against SA and an extremely tough autumn series.

In a way, the message has been given that even if the results in the second part of the year are not as encouraging as the first part, he has done enough to warrant selection. That´s probably fair enough but I fear the public won´t be so charitable if England´s record of 4 from 5 this year is reversed, regardless of the quality of the opposition.

Kirwan for backs coach?

RFU finally done something right... They've appointed a Cumbrian!

You people will never hear the last of it.

The common sense move by England. I am sure I read that Farrell is quitting his post at Saracens, but I can't recall where.

Risca: Really? Last I heard was Rowntree's comment a few days ago that Farrell was returning to Sarries and he respected him for the decision. Even so, you've got to think he'd want the post if he could get it with Sarries' blessing.

Ok, i'm going to be the only dissenting voice i guess.

If he picks the right backs coach, possibly someone like Kirwan, then it might work. I think he's definitely a hard worker and has set about creating a good environment for the players.

BUT - i don't think he's the right appointment. I don't necessarily buy into the idea we need a guy with loads of international experience, but i think it might help to have someone in there of that ilk. I can't see Lancaster appointing someone who's been there and done it, i think it might undermine him. I may be giving him too little credit here.

There were a good few positives from the 6Ns, but a fair amount of mediocrity as well. I can't fault him for that, but i just think appointing him is a massive gamble on the basis we beat Scotland, Italy and an Irish team with no scrum. The France result WAS a great result, but i can't remember a French team kicking the ball away so much.

I also think Rowntree has done a great job, but would still like him purely as a scrummaging coach who could help out another forwards's coach. Namely someone who can get us rucking effectively. Although we have improved in that area somewhat.

I like the guy, i hope it works, and i can see that most people are a gamble of sorts, but this feels like appointment by media (as usual). Everyone had made their mind up long before anyone sat down and compared his credentials to Nick Mallett's.

Ok, i'm going to be the only dissenting voice i guess.

No many are cautious....but optimistic...

If he picks the right backs coach, possibly someone like Kirwan, then it might work. I think he's definitely a hard worker and has set about creating a good environment for the players.

Most discussions on here have pointed this fact out...that we need more offensively...maybe just having Flood in would change it. But its early days...

BUT - i don't think he's the right appointment. I don't necessarily buy into the idea we need a guy with loads of international experience, but i think it might help to have someone in there of that ilk. I can't see Lancaster appointing someone who's been there and done it, i think it might undermine him. I may be giving him too little credit here.

Or you could say that old experienced coaches are stale...new younger guys have new ideas and are keen....and he knows all the saxons and accademy players....so has a good knowledge of whats there. Add in quality young coaches like Rowntree, Gustard, Farrell and theres a real reason to be optimistic.

There were a good few positives from the 6Ns, but a fair amount of mediocrity as well. I can't fault him for that, but i just think appointing him is a massive gamble on the basis we beat Scotland, Italy and an Irish team with no scrum. The France result WAS a great result, but i can't remember a French team kicking the ball away so much.

The Irish have a good scrum...we just hit them on a good day. There was a lot of mediocrity...however the penalites had reduced...and our abysmal performance at the ruck improved 100%. Also the likes of Cole and Croft were brought out of their shell...

I also think Rowntree has done a great job, but would still like him purely as a scrummaging coach who could help out another forwards's coach. Namely someone who can get us rucking effectively. Although we have improved in that area somewhat.

Why? He has got the pack working together...improved the ruck etc. Cole has been playing like a back rower in the loose as was Corbs...and we've seen Croft play the best for England since he came into the team...even the likes of Botha (not my choice for the team) has been playing well....

Cowshot wrote:Risca: Really? Last I heard was Rowntree's comment a few days ago that Farrell was returning to Sarries and he respected him for the decision. Even so, you've got to think he'd want the post if he could get it with Sarries' blessing.

I found it. It was in the Telegraph. Of course it's probably based on nothing, but I wouldn't be too surprised if it happened.

Risca Rev wrote:

Cowshot wrote:Risca: Really? Last I heard was Rowntree's comment a few days ago that Farrell was returning to Sarries and he respected him for the decision. Even so, you've got to think he'd want the post if he could get it with Sarries' blessing.

I found it. It was in the Telegraph. Of course it's probably based on nothing, but I wouldn't be too surprised if it happened.

Hope it does. Telegraph has a pretty good rep for its sports reporting, so maybe they are onto something.

Personally I feel Farrel should continue his role in player development, mentoring and as a defensive coach (in the classic rugby league role ) then we need someone else with a bit more attacking savvy than Farrell, his style of rugby will grind out teams in the NH but we won't beat the SH boys that way. Perhaps another young coach like mike catt, he certainly knows how to unlock a defensive.

sirtidychris wrote:Personally I feel Farrel should continue his role in player development, mentoring and as a defensive coach (in the classic rugby league role ) then we need someone else with a bit more attacking savvy than Farrell, his style of rugby will grind out teams in the NH but we won't beat the SH boys that way. Perhaps another young coach like mike catt, he certainly knows how to unlock a defensive.

I think that attacking out wide is the last major piece of its game any new team puts into place, and to me it seems we saw SOME progress there over the 6Ns. If someone is brought in it's got to be someone who can work with Farrell and with Farrell's ideas. I worry about too many coaches in this area - it's not just about attack, it's about how you go from defence to attack (and vice versa) and there's a balance to be got between "many heads making light work", and "too many cooks spoiling the broth". My suspicion is that it is generally better if one coach can combine both attack and defence roles, and I think it is too early yet to say Farrell can't do it.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Whilst I agree about the appointment in general, I am surprised to see the length of his appointment. He´s now effectively been given the job until well after the next World Cup. Whilst no one can fault his job in the 6N, there´s still a lot of rugby to be played with a 3 match series against SA and an extremely tough autumn series.

In a way, the message has been given that even if the results in the second part of the year are not as encouraging as the first part, he has done enough to warrant selection. That´s probably fair enough but I fear the public won´t be so charitable if England´s record of 4 from 5 this year is reversed, regardless of the quality of the opposition.

Probably correct analysis.

F*%k the public though and the rugby press.

Cumbrian wrote:RFU finally done something right... They've appointed a Cumbrian!

You people will never hear the last of it.

Why are Cumbrians so good? What is it about Cumbrians? Expand please

Geoff Cooke
Brian Ashton
Lancaster...

Its because they have to compete with their fellow northerners over on the East.....

Hood83 wrote:Ok, i'm going to be the only dissenting voice i guess.

If he picks the right backs coach, possibly someone like Kirwan, then it might work. I think he's definitely a hard worker and has set about creating a good environment for the players.

BUT - i don't think he's the right appointment. I don't necessarily buy into the idea we need a guy with loads of international experience, but i think it might help to have someone in there of that ilk. I can't see Lancaster appointing someone who's been there and done it, i think it might undermine him. I may be giving him too little credit here.

There were a good few positives from the 6Ns, but a fair amount of mediocrity as well. I can't fault him for that, but i just think appointing him is a massive gamble on the basis we beat Scotland, Italy and an Irish team with no scrum. The France result WAS a great result, but i can't remember a French team kicking the ball away so much.

I also think Rowntree has done a great job, but would still like him purely as a scrummaging coach who could help out another forwards's coach. Namely someone who can get us rucking effectively. Although we have improved in that area somewhat.
I like the guy, i hope it works, and i can see that most people are a gamble of sorts, but this feels like appointment by media (as usual). Everyone had made their mind up long before anyone sat down and compared his credentials to Nick Mallett's.

I'd add mauling effectively to that list, something we've always been traditional strong at doing but were shockingly incompetent during the 6N's

I think we'd all admit there are weaknesses. However, there were also a lot of strengths.

I hesitate to claim that coaching kids is equivalent, but team ethic has always been number one on my list - and that, I think they've got.

Remember, the team has lots of new cominations and are still learning to play together.

I see a lot more positives than negatives.

Triangulation wrote:

Cumbrian wrote:RFU finally done something right... They've appointed a Cumbrian!

You people will never hear the last of it.

Why are Cumbrians so good? What is it about Cumbrians? Expand please

Geoff Cooke
Brian Ashton
Lancaster...

I suppose it's because nobody knows who we are or where we're from... We just have to work that little bit harder to be noticed.

I'd keep Rowntree as the forwards coach. As mentioned our forwards looked the best i've seen in a long time as the tourny progressed. If we did need extra help in the rucks then why not bring in a specialist breakdown coach like Leicester did a while back?

I'd keep Farrell as well, for the first time in years our defense was physical enough to be an attacking threat and won us those games against France and Ireland. If in a season or mores time attach is still a problem then again bring in a specialist. But first up give this trio their head and see where they take us.

I'd like to see an attack coach brought in straight away Yappy...that would mean four coaches...Head Coach, Forwards, Defence and Attack Coach.

Just right...

Fair enough Geordie, but are there actually any good coaches out there to do that role? Obviously there are guys we'd like but are they realistic options?

Four would be the max I think, any more coaches and things could get confusing.

Aw yeah...i wouldnt want more than that....

Wayne Smith could be added to the 6Ns coaches later in the year when he is available.
He changed his mind & expressed interest as an assistant coach. He would be a good candidate for the backs/attack coach.

Wayne Smith would be a fantastic choice. They don't come much more attack minded. Good offset to Farrell.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Whilst I agree about the appointment in general, I am surprised to see the length of his appointment. He´s now effectively been given the job until well after the next World Cup. Whilst no one can fault his job in the 6N, there´s still a lot of rugby to be played with a 3 match series against SA and an extremely tough autumn series.

In a way, the message has been given that even if the results in the second part of the year are not as encouraging as the first part, he has done enough to warrant selection. That´s probably fair enough but I fear the public won´t be so charitable if England´s record of 4 from 5 this year is reversed, regardless of the quality of the opposition.

I dont think its that odd. Not giving him a contract till the world cup would be ridiculous, this one runs out before the next set of internationals but runs long enough to make his reign up to 4 years and to take their time to make a decision on replacing him or not before the 6 nations

But yes the bandwagon will derail pretty quickly when england get hunmped in SA and in the AIs

Well personally I feel as a caretaker coach, he´s being judged on 5 games as England coach. Ok that´s a step up from MJ who was judged on no games and he has at least coached the Saxons at national level.

But he may well have gone into the job thinking 5 games was all he was going to have. I don´t think he would´ve been that upset or indeed the players to say, well we´re really encouraged by your performance with the team and will give you a year to see how you do in the second half of this year and the 6N next year and then if that goes well we´ll give you a contract until the 2015 World Cup.

You go to all this trouble to hire a headhunting company and you say you want the best man for the job possible and then with this appointment you effectively say well we had the best man after all and we just wasted all that money for nothing. That´s what I find odd.

Kia i dont disagree that the whole thing is a bit of a farce, the system has achieved the confused mess it was supposed to avoid.
but having arrived back where they started they had to give him a proper contract

TJ wrote:Right decision

Agree, he deserved it!

So Rob Andrew has absolutely no input anymore?

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Well personally I feel as a caretaker coach, he´s being judged on 5 games as England coach. Ok that´s a step up from MJ who was judged on no games and he has at least coached the Saxons at national level.

But he may well have gone into the job thinking 5 games was all he was going to have. I don´t think he would´ve been that upset or indeed the players to say, well we´re really encouraged by your performance with the team and will give you a year to see how you do in the second half of this year and the 6N next year and then if that goes well we´ll give you a contract until the 2015 World Cup.

You go to all this trouble to hire a headhunting company and you say you want the best man for the job possible and then with this appointment you effectively say well we had the best man after all and we just wasted all that money for nothing. That´s what I find odd.

Basically i agree with all of this.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Well personally I feel as a caretaker coach, he´s being judged on 5 games as England coach. Ok that´s a step up from MJ who was judged on no games and he has at least coached the Saxons at national level.

But he may well have gone into the job thinking 5 games was all he was going to have. I don´t think he would´ve been that upset or indeed the players to say, well we´re really encouraged by your performance with the team and will give you a year to see how you do in the second half of this year and the 6N next year and then if that goes well we´ll give you a contract until the 2015 World Cup.

You go to all this trouble to hire a headhunting company and you say you want the best man for the job possible and then with this appointment you effectively say well we had the best man after all and we just wasted all that money for nothing. That´s what I find odd.

For me the initial interim appointment would have been on a 1-year basis, so give him the 6 Nations, summer tour and autumn internationals. By then we should know for sure if we've got the right man or not and can move from there. I think Lancaster is the right choice based on what we saw in the Six Nations and his knowledge of the players and the set up et cetera, but I never thought 5 games would be enough to adequately judge him and the whole thing could be proved a flash in the pan if he has a bad second half to 2012.

Here's hoping that he's a success though. Comes across as a genuinely nice, down-to-earth person and deserves his opportunity. Plus I really want to see England do well sooner than later, so it would work out well for me if Lancaster was the man to make us a real force again

Huge mistake in my opinion. I think the best potential England manager is the first name of vacant and surname of job. Only that manager can lead England to glory.

sambo,

If that's an attempt at humour, the trick is to be concise and clear.

0/2 for you, m'boy.

Sorry SimonodSurrey I didn't know you were the s**t when it comes to humour, can you give me any more lessons.