International ambitions remain but Stuart Lancaster focused on new start with Connacht

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster says he is focused on the start of the season with Connacht, but has not ruled out a return to international rugby in the future.

Lancaster took over as head coach of Connacht earlier this year after he was sacked by Racing 92 in France.

His contract takes him to 2027, at the same time, Andy Farrell's contract as Ireland head coach will end after the World Cup.

Speaking at at a press conference in Galway on the redevelopment of the former Sportsground, Lancaster's focus is on this weekend's opening game against Benneton on Saturday.

“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."

Lancaster comes to the province after a frustrating season for Connacht, finishing 13th in the URC, and exiting the Challenge Cup in the quarter-final stages.

In fact, Lancaster was in Galway for their European exit to Racing to watch his son play, months after Stuart's sacking from the club.

From that day on, the process to appoint the former Leinster coach took place, with living back in Ireland a big factor to his decision.

“I was pretty burnt, to be honest. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was going to do next, other than leaving France.

“I said, ‘God, we miss Ireland, don’t we?’ And it just so happened that Off The Ball asked for an interview for the following Wednesday. It was all coincidence.

“W