Stuart Lancaster has left Racing 92 effective immediately

Stuart Lancaster has left his position as head coach of Racing 92 with immediate effect following a difficult run of form.

While the French club have yet to confirm it, reports began swirling on Thursday night that the Englishman was set for a sudden exit. Planet Rugby reported this morning that they understood that he had left the club effective immediately and RugbyPass have since had the news confirmed.

The former England and Leinster coach departs the Parisian outfit midway through the 2024/25 campaign, with Racing 92 languishing in 12th place in the Top 14 after winning just five of their 15 league matches.

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The club also struggled in European competition, winning only two of their five Investec Champions Cup pool matches before dropping into the Challenge Cup knockouts.

Owen Farrell – who was the club’s marquee summer signing in 2024 – has been branded a flop which further damaged Lancaster’s chances of staying on in Paris. The former Leeds coach was also criticised in some quarters for starting his son [Dan Lancaster] at 10 during Farrell’s injury layoff.

The 55-year-old’s departure is no surprise given it follows on the back of growing speculation over his future in recent months, with reports emerging earlier this week that Racing 92 were considering a coaching change. Former La Rochelle and Toulon coach Patrick Collazo is widely expected to take charge on an interim basis.

Collazo – who began his coaching career with Racing 92’s academy – has been out of work since leaving Montpellier in 2023.

Lancaster has been linked with a return to Ireland with Munster. The Irish province are reportedly considering him as a potential replacement for Graham Rowntree.

Lancaster had previously dismissed speculation over a move back to Ireland, labelling reports as “false” in an interview with French media.

During his tenure at Leinster between 2016 and 2023, Lancaster was credited with helping shape the province into one of Europe’s dominant forces.

The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Munster have yet to comment on whether Lancaster is under consideration. IRFU performance director David Humphreys last week stated that the search for Rowntree’s successor remained ongoing.

Racing 92 are next in action on February 15, when they face RC Vannes in a crucial Top 14 encounter as they look to move clear of the relegation battle.