Stuart Lancaster says he would love to return to Test rugby some day, but he doesn't believe his role with Connacht is a stepping stone to becoming the next Ireland head coach.
Lancaster’s first season in charge of Connacht gets under way for real this week, as the province host Benetton at Dexcom Stadium in the opening round of the BKT United Rugby Championship, with a sense of optimism around the Sportsground after a disappointing campaign in 2024/25.
The Englishman, who replaces Pete Wilkins as head coach at Connacht, has an intimate knowledge of Irish rugby after spending seven years as senior coach with Leinster.
Irish rugby’s performance director David Humphreys was heavily involved in recruiting him to Connacht on a two-year contract, moving quickly to hire Lancaster after his departure from Racing 92.
His contract runs until the summer of 2027, while Andy Farrell’s current deal also expires after that year’s World Cup.
And Lancaster laughed off suggestions he’ll be in line to become Ireland head coach if Farrell decides to move on in two years.
"It’s not something I’ve remotely discussed with him [David Humphreys] or even thought about, to be honest," Lancaster said.
"When we discussed the length of the contract, in my mind I’d signed [with Racing] for four years and it finished after nearly two. So, it takes me to that point."
However, then former England head coach, who came close to being appointed Joe Schmidt’s successor at Australia, says the international game is something he is still keen to get back into.
"We’ll see. People often ask me about international rugby and club rugby, international rugby is amazing. The highs are really high, you’re away, watching the Lions series, thinking 'I’d love to be involved in that, coaching’ and same with international rugby.
"Then you have big, long gaps in it as well. I love the coaching piece as well and I’m happy coaching in the club environment for the time being. I’ll be 57 in two years’ time, there’s plenty more in me."
The province have an ideal opportunity to make a fast start to the URC season, with home games against Benetton and Scarlets, while their British and Irish Lions trio of Bundee Aki (below), Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham are on track to make their returns in rounds three or four, which would be either away to Cardiff or at home to the Bulls.
"Obviously Mack’s still ongoing in terms of his recovery from his foot injury but he was running around out there. He’s not actually done a session yet but he’s close.
"Bundee’s training, Finlay’s training and so they’ll be back soon. So, no, we’re in good shape.
"You can feel the energy, it's a good group and my intention is to rotate the team during the first five games to give us a chance to see everyone but also we've got to win games as well," Lancaster said.
Their pre-season programme has been impressive, with big wins against both Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears in recent weeks.
The province’s main issue last season was in defence, where they consistently leaked scores, conceding an average of 26 points per game in the URC.
As head coach, Lancaster is taking the lead on defence.
"The games have gone well, obviously Bristol weren't at full strength but we still put 50 points on them and 40 points on Sale. That's what I would have asked for, but it's pre-season so the true test comes this Saturday but also for the next five weeks.
"I always believed coming in that the foundations were strong and felt that Connacht had a high ceiling.
"Last year I think they were frustrated that they didn't achieve more, it you look at the metrics of line breaks, defenders beaten, attack was a really strong part of Connacht's game.
"The bit I felt needed to balance out was the defence but also game management. It's all well having a great attacking mindset but if you come 13th that's not the outcome we all want," he added.
