Rugby Union: Former England manager Stuart Lancaster joins Leinster on a deal until the end of the season
Stuart Lancaster is the senior coach of Leinster in what is his first job since leaving England
STUART LANCASTER has finally landed a job in rugby - but only as part of the Leinster coaching staff.
The ex-England boss has been desperate to get back into the game and had hoped a top job in Super Rugby would come his way.
However, scores of clubs have been put off the former Red Rose coach after he lead his country to the worst ever performance by a World Cup host in 2015.
As well as visiting clubs in New Zealand and South Africa Lancaster has also been a special advisor to NFL side Atlanta Falcons with a focus on how they can improve their tackling in American football.
Lancaster was also linked with taking over at French galacticos Toulon but they decided against appointing him after informal talks.
Having signed a deal in Dublin until the end of the season as part of head coach Leo Cullen's team Lancaster will hope his Pro12 job puts him firmly back in the shop window for a director of rugby role.
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."
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Leinster chief exec Mick Dawson added: "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."