Stuart Lancaster (rugby)

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Stuart Lancaster (born 9th October 1969 in Penrith, Cumbria) is the Director of Rugby of Leeds Tykes. He was in charge of the Tykes’ rugby union academy for five years and played under former boss Phil Davies before retiring in 2000. Davies resigned as Director of Rugby on 30 April 2006 with Leeds already relegated from the Guinness Premiership.

Lancaster, a former back rower for the club, was the first ever player to play 100 games for Leeds and played under Davies before taking up a full time role developing some of the brightest prospects in the English game.

Lancaster had the role with the Academy since its inauguration in September 2001. Under Lancaster’s leadership the Tykes RFU Academy has become recognised as leading the way in player development in England whilst as a coach Lancaster has also developed, achieving the highest coaching qualification available from the RFU, the Level Five. Lancaster has put together a strong squad that is on the way to taking Leeds back into the Premiership.

Lancaster was excited by Leeds’ focus on youth development as they looked for an immediate return to the top flight.

"Stuart's appointment indicates the direction we want the Tykes to head," said Leeds Chief Executive Gary Hetherington at the time of his appointment.

Tykes captain Stuart Hooper added: "The appointment shows the club's intention to develop from within and its commitment to its people."

On his promotion to Director of Rugby Lancaster commented: "With my appointment the club have made a bold statement as to the future direction they would like to take and it is one I firmly believe in.

"By growing the club through an academy system that develops players from the Yorkshire region, it will create a culture and a pool of talented players that will provide the club with a long-term and sustainable future."

Lancaster began playing for Leeds on the amalgamation of Headingley and Roundhay, having previously played for Headingley. He has also played for Wakefield Rugby Football Club and represented Scotland at U-19 and U-21 level and for Scotland Students.