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Rugby Union

Lancaster to leave Leeds for RFU role

06/05/2008

Stuart Lancaster, director of rugby at Leeds Carnegie, has been appointed England's news head of elite player development.

Lancaster, 38, will step down from his role at Leeds at the end of this season to take up the RFU role.

He has been in charge at Leeds for two seasons and before that was a player, captain and academy manager at the club.

Outlining his decision to leave the club, Lancaster said: "It has been a very difficult decision for me to leave Leeds Carnegie. The club has been a huge part of my life. I was here when the club was formed 16 years ago and I have given my all as a player, as captain, as academy manager and now as director of rugby.

"I can think of no other role I would have left the club for, however this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it allows to me to work and coach at the top end of the International game developing senior and young players alike to play for England.

"This opportunity has come about in a very short period of time, so much so that I had already made many plans for next season. Hopefully, that will leave firm foundations for the club to build on for next season and the mission of returning to the Guinness Premiership," he added.

"I would like to thank everyone associated with the club for their support during my time; whether that be the many ex players I have played with and coached, my current players, the coaching staff, the board, past and present, Leeds Metropolitan University and the supporters.

"The club is in good shape at all levels and I am sure will take the opportunity to build on our current position to get to the next level and set up a long and successful future.

"Leeds Carnegie will always hold a special place for me and I will take many special memories with me as I look to work with the club in the future in supporting the identification, nurturing and coaching of talented players to play for England," he added.

Chief executive Gary Hetherington claimed the club were unhappy with the way the RFU had gone about recruiting Lancaster.

"We are obviously disappointed not only in losing Stuart but also with the RFU's method of recruitment. For a sport's governing body to target the most senior employee of one of its member clubs, without dialogue with the club, is disappointing to say the least," Hetherington said in a club statement.

"I am not surprised Stuart has attracted interest from others and I have not doubt he will prove to be a shrewd signing for the RFU.

"Stuart will leave at the end of the season with our best wishes, he has been a terrific servant for Leeds Carnegie and has played a key role in all aspects of our rugby union operation."

Leeds are currently bottom of the Guinness Premiership table.