On this day in 2015: Stuart Lancaster leaves England post after dismal World Cup
Lancaster was in charge of the national team for three years.
Stuart Lancaster paid the price for England’s dismal World Cup on this day in 2015.
The head coach left his role after England failed to get out of Pool A – becoming the first host nation to be eliminated from the group stage.
They lost to Wales and Australia and, despite beating Fiji and Uruguay, England finished third, two points behind second-placed Wales.
“I ultimately accept and take responsibility for the team’s performance,” Lancaster said at the time.
“I took on the role in difficult circumstances and it has been a huge challenge to transition the team with many hurdles along the way.
“However, I am immensely proud of the development of this team and I know that there is an incredibly strong foundation for them to progress to great things in the future.”
Lancaster was made permanent coach in 2012 and won 28 of his 46 games, but failed to win the Six Nations.
A review into England’s performance at the World Cup took place after the tournament with Lancaster agreeing he should step down from his role.
Australian Eddie Jones was appointed Lancaster’s successor nine days later, after Jones’ Japan side had narrowly missed out on qualification from Pool B having stunned South Africa 34-32 in their opening game.
