Rugby: Former England coach Stuart Lancaster reveals Steve Hansen's caring side

Former England coach Stuart Lancaster has opened up on the harsh impact that World Cup failure had on his family, and how All Blacks coach Steve Hansen provided comfort in his time of need.

In an inteview with The Times, Lancaster detailed the struggles of dealing with 'a national vilification' after England bowed out in the group stages of the 2015 Rugby World Cup they were hosting.

Lancaster said that in his darkest hour, there were people who rallied around and it helped, a lot.

"The week we were eliminated from the World Cup, I had a note from Heyneke Meyer, the South Africa coach who had been involved in the defeat to Japan [in the same competition]," Lancaster said. "He was going through exactly the same thing. 'I hope you are OK,' he asked. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture.

"I had a good relationship with all the international coaches, because we all know the precipice we sit on. Moments after New Zealand won the World Cup final I sent a text to Steve Hansen to congratulate him. Forty minutes after the final whistle, when he must have been inundated, he replied. 'Thanks Stuart,' he said. 'Hope the family are OK. I am thinking of you.' That camaraderie is somehow deeper and more important than the rivalry. That is what rugby is about."

Former England coach Stuart Lancaster. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

Lancaster on key issues:
How would England have done in the 2016 Six Nations if you had not left the job?
"The context and results would have been very different if I had stayed. Every decision would have been scrutinised, and it would have been difficult for the players. Eddie Jones brought in new energy."
Is drug-taking a problem in youth rugby?
"Young players need to know that it is not just about size, but speed and agility. The best players at Leinster, such as Cian Healy, have actually lost weight this year. My son is 16 and in an academy. They attend anti-doping seminars all the time. I don't think drugs are prevalent in English rugby."
What are your reflections on the crowd at Twickenham?
"The energy at Twickenham was incredible. In some of the games, I have never been in stadiums like it. The France game in 2015, New Zealand in 2012. On their day, they're the best."
What did you feel when England went on an unbeaten run after your sacking?
"I felt incredibly proud of the team. The best moment for a coach is awarding a player their first cap. I awarded first caps to three-quarters of that group, players like Jack Nowell and Owen Farrell."