Video: Leinster head coach Cullen responds to Lancaster speculation

Stuart Lancaster is a name that has been cropping up multiple times over the last few weeks in particular.

The former England head coach is now a senior coach at Leinster, with whom he won a Champions Cup and PRO14 double last season.

The Yorkshireman's stock has risen since his ill-fated 2015 World Cup campaign, with his impact and input being widely feted by Leinster players and staff.

And with Andy Farrell set to take over as Ireland head coach following the 2019 World Cup, Lancaster has been linked to a role within the new set-up.

Lancaster's contract with Leinster runs out at the end of the current season and Head coach Leo Cullen was asked whether he was optimistic that Lancaster would remain with the province beyond this period.

“We would be hopeful, yes. He’s telling me he is very happy at the moment anyway so that is all we can work off at the moment.

“Stuart has had a huge impact on us a group. We’re all very happy at the moment with the way the dynamic is working.”

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Lancaster has also being mentioned as a candidate with England, who are looking to appoint a coach to work under Eddie Jones following the 2019 World Cup, with the intention of taking full charge in 2021, when the Australian's contract is due to run out.

RFU interim CEO Nigel Melville spoke earlier this week about a potential approach for Lancaster: "I'm not sure, I haven't spoken to Stuart so I'm not sure if it's the path that he sees for himself. I'll be meeting with everyone who is a potential target for us and I'll make the list based on that."

"I don't know what other people might be thinking but all our top English coaches will be contacted."

Asked whether it would be an issue to return to Lancaster, Melville said ""No, not a problem, why would it would be a problem? I'll talk to anyone who has the requisite talent to do the job for us. It will be a pretty good search. We have been monitoring everyone for the last 18 months.

"We have got a spreadsheet of everything and everyone, all around, different levels, assistant coaches, kicking coaches, and we have English coaches overseas as well. Quite a few in France. In Scotland. All sorts.

"And a lot of overseas coaches in the Premiership too. It is quite a broad thing."

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