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Lancaster named as England coach
Stuart Lancaster graduated from Leeds Met in 1991 with a BA (Hons) in Human Movement Studies followed by a PGCE in Physical Education in 1992. He went on to play professional rugby here in Leeds until 2000 where he then moved in to coaching the Leeds/RFU academy for five years, progressing to Elite Rugby Director at Leeds Carnegie In 2006 before being appointed to his current role at the highest level.
He made the decision on his permanent appointment easy for the Rugby Football Union by winning four out of five games in the Six Nations, finishing second. Had Wales not been in such fantastic form winning all their games, this would have been enough to win the tournament, as was the case last year. RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said "Stuart has shown throughout the RBS Six Nations and subsequently in both interview and other conversations I, as chairman of the advisory panel, have had with him that he has the skills and vision needed in the England head coach. I am sure everyone in England will join me in congratulating Stuart on his appointment. He can be assured of my support and everyone in the union as he embarks on what we all hope will be a successful period for English rugby." He finished by saying ""Unquestionably we believe he is the best person for the job."
Stuart stated that being appointed it was an "Honour and a privilege". He then laid out his plans for the future of English Rugby with three key points "The first is pride, in wearing the shirt and the connection with people. The second is the vision for the future, and that is to win the World Cup in 2015. The third is for the players to play without fear, that when they come to play for England they can seize their opportunities and play without fear." Stuart will no doubt be recalling some of the skills he learnt Leeds Met to aid him with his difficult but exciting new challenge.