Stuart Lancaster in demand as Andy Farrell takes Ireland job

Leinster hope to retain senior coach amid interest from new Irish coach and Bath

Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster. Photo: Sportsfile

Ruaidhri O'Connor Twitter

November 27 2018 02:30 AM

Leinster remain hopeful that Stuart Lancaster will remain as senior coach beyond the end of the season despite being a leading contender for the role of assistant coach to new Ireland coach Andy Farrell.

Bath are also reportedly interested in the former England supremo who has played a major part in the province's success but enjoys a long-standing relationship with Farrell who was his assistant in his previous role.

It is understood that Leinster have begun negotiations with Leo Cullen and his staff whose current contracts run until the end of the campaign.

The IRFU yesterday confirmed that Joe Schmidt will leave his position after next year's World Cup in Japan and retire from coaching to spend more time with his family.

Farrell will take over, with assistants Simon Easterby and Richie Murphy contracted until the end of the 2019/20 season, but scrum coach Greg Feek will also leave meaning the former England international will have two key appointments to make.

Tributes poured in for Schmidt who has enjoyed unprecedented success since arriving in Ireland to coach Leinster in 2010.

"I feel that Irish rugby is in good hands. The management and players have been incredible to work with and the tremendous support we have had," Schmidt said.

"Thank you to the IRFU for their support and patience and thanks also to so many people who have adopted my family and me, making us feel part of the community here in Ireland.

"There are some inspiring challenges over the next 11 months so there's plenty of motivation for me to continue working hard, alongside the other management staff, so that the team can be as competitive as possible."