England rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster extends contract until 2020

Stuart Lancaster will coach England beyond the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan after signing a six-year contract extension.

Lancaster's coaching team of Graham Rowntree, Andy Farrell and Mike Catt have also completed new deals to run until the end of the 2019/20 season.

Former Leeds boss Lancaster had to battle to secure his permanent appointment as England head coach in March 2012, but this extended contract is a huge show of faith from the RFU.

Chief executive Ian Ritchie said RFU bosses were determined to act swiftly to secure the long-term future of Lancaster and his coaching group.

"We are lucky to have a talented, committed and passionate coaching group," he said.

"Coaching at international level is unique in that the time Stuart and the coaches have with the players is limited and in that regard it requires a special and stable coaching team.

"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."