Stuart Lancaster: Former England coach joins Leinster coaching team after dismal World Cup showing

Leinster turned to Lancaster after defence coach Kurt McQuilkin left the province's coaching staff

Stuart Lancaster during England’s catastrophic World Cup campaign, which cost the head coach his job (Reuters)

Former England coach Stuart Lancaster has joined Leinster as a member of their senior coaching team, the Irish provincial side have announced.

The 46-year-old, who stepped down as England boss last November in the wake of the team's dismal World Cup showing, has joined the three-time European Cup winners on a contract that starts immediately and lasts until the end of the season.

Leinster turned to Lancaster after defence coach Kurt McQuilkin left the province's coaching staff this summer to return to New Zealand for family reasons.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen told leinsterrugby.ie: "Stuart brings a wealth of experience and is a highly respected figure in world rugby. We are all looking forward to having Stuart join our team and together helping the players maximise their potential as a group."

Lancaster's four-year stint in charge of England came to an end after the Red Rose became the first World Cup host nation to fail to get out of the pool stages, following defeats to Wales and Australia.

Since leaving that post, the former Leeds Tykes player has had short-term roles at NFL side the Atlanta Falcons, British Cycling, the Football Association and in New Zealand rugby with Counties Manukau.

At Leinster, Lancaster will join a coaching team that consists of head coach Cullen plus his assistants Girvan Dempsey and John Fogarty.

Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson said: "We are always looking at options around resources but once we were made aware of Kurt McQuilkin's departure, we narrowed our focus and we are delighted that Stuart has agreed to come on board.

"I know, having spoken at length to Stuart, that he is excited by the challenge of getting into club rugby again and the day to day interaction with players. His first session with Leo, Girvan, John and the players will be later on this afternoon.

"I think our supporters are going to be excited by this announcement and we wish him all the very best for the season ahead."

Leinster face Glasgow Warriors in the second round of the Guinness PRO12 on Saturday, having began their campaign with a 20-8 victory over Benetton Treviso on Friday. Leinster have reached the final of the PRO12 nine times in its 15-year history, winning four.

PA.