Stuart Lancaster plays down talk of England return

Stuart Lancaster has distanced himself from an England return after stating he could emulate the loyalty of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp by spending a decade at Leinster.

England head coach Eddie Jones is due to step down after the 2023 World Cup and, with the Rugby Football Union seeking a home grown replacement, Lancaster is a leading candidate to succeed him.

The Cumbrian spent four years in the role only to depart after a crushing group exit from the 2015 global showpiece, but he has since rebuilt his career as senior coach at Leinster where he has helped boss Leo Cullen mastermind five trophies.

Saturday’s collision with La Rochelle in the final of the Heineken Champions Cup could produce a sixth piece of silverware in as many years having arrived in Dublin in 2016.

And despite his contract expiring in June next year, Lancaster has indicated he is likely to remain with Leinster.

“I honestly don’t know what the thought process of the union would be,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“I read in the press that they would prefer an English candidate and I went on record and said that’s the right way to go.

“Club coaching, for me, takes some beating. That’s the priority for me at the moment. It (Leinster contract) could easily be renewed.

“Obviously you’ve got regrets that you didn’t get to finish the project that you were involved in. But can I turn back the clock and change that? No I can’t. I’m very much forward looking.”

In reference to Klopp last month signing a new two-year deal that will tie him to Anfield until 2026, Lancaster said: “If Jurgen Klopp can stay at Liverpool for 10 or 11 years, then perhaps I can stay at Leinster for 10 or 11 years.”

England’s disappointing performance at the 2015 World Cup