Cumbrian former England rugby union coach Stuart Lancaster is leaving Leinster after six years.

The 52-year-old is moving on to a new challenge in France with Racing 92.

Lancaster, from Culgaith, has been with Leinster Rugby since September 2016.

He will see out this season with the Irish club before heading to France’s Top 14.

It is the latest challenge in a coaching career which included Lancaster’s stint at the England helm from 2011-15.

Leinster Rugby head coach Leo Cullen said in a statement: “Stuart has been a brilliant asset to Leinster Rugby since he joined us in 2016.

“He has helped us to grow at all levels, both through his work with the senior team and his willingness to get involved with underage teams as well as clubs around the province, where he is always so generous with his time.

“I think there has always been a realisation that Stuart would move on to a new challenge at some stage. For that reason, we feel fortunate to have had him here for as long as we have, and we wish him, his wife Nina and kids Sophie and Dan the very best in their next adventure with Racing 92 in France.”

Lancaster said he was grateful to Leinster for the opportunity they gave him six years ago.

He added: “I have always wanted to challenge myself as a coach in different ways and the opportunity to coach in France at a club like Racing 92 is an exciting one and I will look forward to that challenge when it comes.

“In the meantime, I really want to give everything to the whole of Leinster Rugby and the supporters in the next eight months as I feel we have more to come as we drive towards the exciting challenge ahead both in the URC and in Europe.”

During Lancaster’s time at Leinster, the club have won the Heineken Champions Cup and four Guinness PRO12/14 titles.