Despite a disappointing World Cup campaign with England, it has been announced today that Stuart Lancaster is in contention for one of the most coveted and revered jobs in rugby, Lions head coach. Lancaster resigned from his post as England coach in November and has been replaced by Eddie Jones.
Speaking at the recent Six Nations launch, Lions chief executive John Feehan admitted he was considering all possibilities for the role.
I am certainly not ruling anybody out at this stage. He (Lancaster) has a lot of the credentials you could potentially look for in a Lions coach, but right now we have got to wait and see how the results go over the Six Nations and the June series and then make a more informed decision.
Wales coach Warren Gatland, who led the Lions to their first series victory since 1997 in Australia four years ago, is considered as the favourite for the role along with Ireland head coach, Joe Schmidt.
Schmidt is unsure whether or not the IRFU would allow him to accept the role due to the six-month requirement involved prior to the tour.
Feehan remains optimistic, however;
We are aware of the contractual position of all the coaches. Those things can always be discussed. People change their minds, unions change their minds, employers change their minds
The successful candidate will be unveiled in August or September, taking into account not only this year’s Six Nations but also summer tours for respective international sides.
