The Rugby Football Union (RFU) underlined its confidence in Stuart Lancaster yesterday by awarding England’s head coach a new contract until 2020.

Lancaster’s coaching team – forwards coach Graham Rowntree, backs coach Andy Farrell and attacking skills Coach Mike Catt – have also been contracted to the end of the 2019-20 season.

“We are lucky to have a talented, committed and passionate coaching group,” RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said in a statement.

“We therefore felt it important to secure their long-term future and we believe this is entirely the right decision for the future of England Rugby.”

Lancaster took over from Martin Johnson as interim boss after England’s poor showing at the 2011 Rugby World Cup and led the side to second place in the Six Nations and, after earning widespread plaudits for restoring confidence within the side, was given the job on a permanent basis.

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