Lancaster ‘perfect’ coach for the Lions

STUART Lancaster would be a “perfect” choice to join Warren Gatland’s Lions’ coaching team in South Africa next year, says Lions legend Sean O’Brien.

Gatland revealed he had spoken to Lancaster, although the ex-England boss quickly played down suggestions he had already been offered a role.

O’Brien – a hero of the last two unbeaten tours to Australia and New Zealand, and who was coached by Lancaster at Leinster – says Gatland should not hesitate to bring on board a man who has achieved huge success in Irish rugby since his arrival in 2016.

“I think Stuart would be perfect on a tour like that,” O’Brien told The Rugby

Paper. “With his style and what he expects of players and the balance he has between work and being able to relax, he has an awful lot of knowledge and value to bring to that set-up.

“He’s very experienced now with what he’s done in

the past few years and being back in coaching – doing what he loves – I just think it would be a great fit. He’s definitely someone who would add a lot to the Lions, there’s no doubt.”

After his tenure as head coach of England ended in 2015 after they failed to progress from the Pool stage of the home World Cup, Lancaster, 50, took a year out before rebuilding his career and reputation in brilliant fashion with Leinster.

While Leinster’s players might have been suspicious of the Englishman, O’Brien insists they rapidly embraced a man who, alongside head coach Leo Cullen, has helped steer the Irish province to successive PRO 14 titles and Champions Cup success.

Back rower O’Brien, 33 and now playing for London Irish added: “As far as respect and trust for him was concerned, we had that from the word go.

“I think Stuart was unlucky at that World Cup. He’d done everything before that – beaten the All Blacks etc – and England were hard to beat at that stage, but a few decisions didn’t go their way and next minute he’s one of the worst coaches to ever have coached England.

“When he came into us he was very clear in what he wanted to do and very good at improving everyone and making them the best in their positions.

“He would also give you a kick in the backside if you needed it. If you weren’t doing what you’d been told to he’d hit you straight between the eyes with it, which is brilliant for any group of players.”