Son of ex-England boss Lancaster leaves Leicester for Championship

Leinster taking on La Rochelle in this Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup final isn’t the only big news surrounding Stuart Lancaster this week as Ealing have announced that Dan, the ex-England coach’s son, has signed for the recently crowned Championship champions. Lancaster Snr began the week by excitedly talking to the media about the upcoming European final in Marseille. 

But it emerged on Tuesday that there was a further delight in the Lancaster household as his promising 21-year-old son has moved on from the fringes at Leicester to take up a deal with the ambitious Trailfinders, the London club who were denied promotion due to not meeting the stadia criteria to play in the Premiership.  

An Ealing website statement read: “Versatile playmaker Dan Lancaster has put pen to paper on an exciting move to Ealing Trailfinders. The sharpshooter, who is confident at fly-half and centre, joins Ben Ward’s squad after spending the 2021/22 season with Leicester Tigers. 

“The 21-year-old son of Stuart Lancaster, the Leinster senior coach, achieved five appearances for Tigers this season, earning selection in Leicester’s Premiership Cup fixtures. He has also spent time on loan at Nottingham over the past year, gaining some valuable Championship experience.

“Prior to his move to Welford Road, Dan spent two seasons playing for hometown club Leeds Tykes, making 19 Championship appearances in 2019/20 before a short stint with Leeds Beckett University. He also played a key role in England’s clean sweep of the U20s Six Nations in 2021.”

Lancaster said: “It’s a very exciting time to be joining a team like Ealing who have very high ambitions as a club. I am looking forward to joining the journey with the rest of the players and coaches and I can’t wait to give everything to the jersey.”

Ealing boss Ben Ward added: “Dan is a very exciting young player who will add fantastic versatility to our squad. He is an accomplished goal kicker, skilful playmaker and driven competitor. He is eager for success and has a clear desire to make an immediate impact at our club."