IRISH STU BACK ON MENU..NATIXIS

Lancaster has all the ingredients to be a success at Connacht and his return to these shores could well prove to be a benefit to the game as a whole

- BY DEREK FOLEY

STUART LANCASTER has been appointed Connacht head coach on a two-year deal that the IRFU are hoping will encourage more players to switch provinces.

There is growing concern that Leinster retain too many players content at 'backing up' the 11 central contracts, further internationals and three top-of-the-range foreign imports.

But a Lancaster-coached Connacht could become a tempting option as it will most likely be set up in tactically similar style.

And with his experience as the tracksuit coach who built sustained personal relationships with the Leinster Academy 2017-23, he can make the western province an attractive port of call.

Moreover were Lancaster to succeed in establishing a Dublin-Galway 'loan' superhighway, and get those just behind the Leinster first team squad for three/four month periods, it would be a bonus too.