Stuart Lancaster loves northern adventure

Rugby’s traditionalists will baulk at the decision to stage England’s final pool fixture at the Manchester City Stadium but Stuart Lancaster believes it is an opportunity to pull the sport away from its southern roots.

England’s last home game outside of Twickenham was a friendly against Argentina at Old Trafford in 2009 but the union code has struggled to compete historically with rugby league in the northern regions.

Lancaster was born in Cumbria and the former Leeds coach insists his team will thrive in the unfamiliar environment.

“Taking England to the north is something we’ll relish,” said England’s head coach. “It’s an area that’s full of passion and pride with huge numbers of people playing and involved in the game, and I know we’ll get great support.

“Now we know the shape the tournament will take, it brings everything into a sharp focus with less than two and a half years to go before the World Cup kicks off. We always get terrific support at Twickenham so we’re looking forward to the three big games there as well as playing at the Manchester City Stadium against the eventual play-off winners.”

England Rugby 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans said: “The ambition has always been to take England to the north west.”