Stuart Lancaster steps down with immediate effect

By @rugbyradio - Jack Pitt

Stuart Lancaster has stepped down as England Rugby head coach this morning in light of England’s poor performance at the recent home Rugby World Cup.

England became the first host nation to exit from the pool stages after defeats to Australia and Wales.

Lancaster, 46, oversaw 28 wins from 46 test matches in charge and will be remembered for neutralising a toxic culture that was created before him, although recent events have tarnished his legacy.

The decision to relieve Lancaster of his duties was subject to the decision of a five man review panel after they assessed England’s exit at the home World Cup.

Lancaster stated: “I took on the role in difficult circumstances and it has been a huge challenge to transition the team with many hurdles along the way,”

“However, I am immensely proud of the development of this team and I know that there is an incredibly strong foundation for them to progress to great things in the future.

“We have played some excellent rugby and it was always going to be tough to get the right level of experience into them in time for 2015. It is a young group of players with the huge majority available for the World Cup in Japan in 2019, where I believe their recent experience will make them genuine contenders.”

Ian Ritchie stated it was a mutual decision, adding “The Rugby World Cup was hugely disappointing for everyone associated with the England team and the subsequent review into the team’s performance was always intended to be extremely comprehensive, which it has been,”

“Following the review, Stuart and I met, where we agreed that he should step down as head coach. This was subsequently ratified by the RFU board.”

It remains to be seen what the fate of Lancaster’s coaching team will be. Andy Farell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt’s future is still up in the air. The full report will be presented on the 17th November at the RFU board meeting.

There has also been no word at this time on Lancaster’s successor. The RFU will now search for a replacement ahead of the Six Nations with Cheika, Schmidt and Mallet sounded out as possible replacements.