Former England coach Lancaster linked to Reds

Former England head coach Stuart Lancaster has been linked with the vacant Super Rugby head coach job at the Queensland Reds.

The Reds sacked Richard Graham early in the season and have limped through Super Rugby under co-coaches Matt O’Connor and Nick Stiles.

O’Connor and Stiles have been filling the role as a temporary measure and it is understood that they are on the shortlist of final candidates.

Forty-six-year-old Lancaster left his position as England head coach after the 2015 World Cup hosts exited the tournament early.

Lancaster spent time with a number of Super Rugby teams earlier this season and has said that he wants to coach at Super Rugby level.

Under Lancaster England won 28 of 46 Tests including victories over New Zealand’s All Blacks and Australia’s Wallabies (twice).

Lancaster was known for his value of a team culture and his organisational skills both of which are elements which the Queensland Rugby Union regard highly.

O’Connor and Stiles are both contracted for two more seasons and a possible scenario would be Lancaster as head coach working above the current duo.