Analysis | It was mutual: Stuart Lancaster steps down as England rugby coach
His departure was expected after a disastrous World Cup campaign which saw the were eliminated in the group phase
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Stuart Lancaster has stepped down as England head coach by “mutual consent”, England's Rugby Football Union announced on Wednesday.
Lancaster's departure, three and-a-half years after his appointment, was expected in the light of England's disastrous World Cup campaign, which saw the hosts eliminated in the group phase.
I ultimately accept and take responsibility for the team's performance and we have not delivered the results we all hoped for during this tournament
“I am obviously extremely saddened to finish the way we did in this World Cup and to step down from the role,” Lancaster said in a statement released by the RFU.
“As I have always said, I ultimately accept and take responsibility for the team's performance and we have not delivered the results we all hoped for during this tournament.”
It proved a spectacular failure, with England crashing out following defeats by Wales and Australia, while Lancaster faced strong criticism for unsuccessful selection gambles such as his decision to place his faith in rugby league convert Sam Burgess.
“Stuart has been fully involved and has given feedback as well as the other coaches, players, management and a wide variety of people from around the game.
“Following the review, Stuart and I met, where we agreed that he should step down as head coach.”
Ritchie will now lead the search for Lancaster's successor, which the RFU said would begin “immediately”.
