Breaking Leinster confirm Stuart Lancaster departure for Racing 92

Leinster have confirmed Stuart Lancaster will leave the province at the end of the season and join Top 14 side Racing 92.

The former England coach is reported to have signed a four-year contract with the Parisian outfit to replace Laurent Travers, who will vacate the head coach role to become club president.

Lancaster joined Leinster as a senior coach in September 2016 and became a hugely popular figure, helping the province win a Pro14 and European double in 2018. They have since won three more domestic titles and reached two Champions Cup finals.

"I will be eternally grateful to Leo [Cullen], Mick [Dawson] and Guy [Easterby] and the whole Leinster organisation for the opportunity they gave me and my family back in 2016," said Lancaster.

"Initially it was for just one season and here I am entering my seventh and that is a reflection on all the players past and present I have worked with and the people of Leinster and Ireland who have made me and my family feel so welcome.

"I have always wanted to challenge myself as a coach in different ways and the opportunity to coach in France at a club like Racing 92 is an exciting one and I will look forward to that challenge when it comes.

"In the meantime, I really want to give everything to the whole of Leinster Rugby and the supporters in the next eight months as I feel we have more to come as we drive towards the exciting challenge ahead both in the URC and in Europe."

"Stuart has helped us to grow at all levels, both through his work with the senior team and his willingness to get involved with underage teams as well as clubs around the province, where he is always so generous with his time."

Prior to joining Leinster, Lancaster spent four years as England head coach. They finished