STUART LANCASTER SAYS he has learned from his experience in the England job not to get carried away when things are going well on the pitch.

The Leinster coach infamously presided over England’s ill-fated World Cup campaign on home soil in 2015 before resuming his coaching career with the province at the start of this season.

Lancaster arrived with a damaged reputation but has played an integral part in the encouraging progress made by Leo Cullen’s side this year and is now likely to be in high-demand elsewhere as his stock rises again.

His redemption mission in Ireland has gathered momentum with each passing week.

Upon his arrival at Leinster, a large part of Lancaster’s remit would have been to assist Cullen in guiding the club back to the knock-out stages of the Champions Cup and restoring the province to its former European glories.

Friday’s win over Montpellier means the first of the tasks has been achieved, but Lancaster insists there is still a lot of work to do.

“No, that’s the short answer,” he said, when asked if it gives him any satisfaction.

Lancaster speaking to the media in UCD yesterday. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

“Because I had great moments coaching England and we had great victories and big moments but the reality is that it comes down to the end of the season and success will be defined at the end, not the middle of the season.

From Leinster’s point of view, Lancaster’s appointment has been a hugely successful one with the 47-year-old taking on a hands-on role within the senior squad.

His time in charge of England may have ended in ignominious fashion, but Lancaster carries weight as a coach. When he talks, the room listens and when he speaks, it’s with conviction, clarity and wisdom.

He is one of rugby’s nice guys, so it’s understandable why Leinster would be keen to retain his services beyond this season.

“I’ve said before and I’ll reiterate it,” Lancaster continued. “I’m loving it over here, it has been a really good move for me to come to such a good team with such good players who are hungry to learn and get better.

“There’s enough going on in the games at the moment to keep me busy but obviously conversations will continue I’m sure [about his future] and the most important thing for me as well is my family and trying to manage that commute.

Cullen and Lancaster have worked well together. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

“The kids are 15 and 16 and it’s an important time for them so just trying to get that balance right.”