Lawrence Dallaglio believes Cumbrian coach Stuart Lancaster’s return to the top of rugby union could be ranked as one of the biggest sporting comebacks.

Lancaster, from Culgaith, has helped to transform Leinster following his appointment as the club’s senior coach in 2016.

Inspired by the Penrith-born man, Leinster beat Racing 92 15-12 as they were crowned European Rugby Champions Cup winners on Saturday.

For 48-year-old Lancaster, the victory came two-and-a-half-years after his England exit following their disappointing 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign.

Former England captain Dallaglio was in Bilbao for Lancaster’s day of redemption and is seriously impressed with the coach he has become.

“You listen to the players talking about his input and they can’t speak highly enough of him,” he said.

“Everyone likes a comeback story and there is probably none bigger than Stuart’s.

“He had a very public fall from grace after the World Cup. He took a huge amount of criticism; some of it fair, much of it definitely unfair.

“Out of adversity, he’s risen again and he’s shown what he is, which is a great bloke and more importantly a very good coach.

“The irony now of course is that he is heavily invested in Irish rugby, along with Andy Farrell [Ireland defence coach]. The two coaches England let go in 2015 could come back to haunt them.”

Asked whether Lancaster could return to the England fold, Dallaglio told The Mirror : “If I was him, I wouldn’t be leaving Leinster any time soon given the group of players they have there.

“I don’t think there’s any need for him to rush back.

“Once you’ve coached the European champions, there are only one or two jobs you want.”

Leinster return to action tomorrow as they face Munster in their Guinness PRO14 semi-final at the sold out RDS Arena (3.15pm kick-off).