Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Six Nations 2015: Stuart Lancaster on the 'inner-sanctum' of Twickenham

England head-coach discusses the home of English rugby

Staff
Friday 06 February 2015 14:55 GMT
Comments
Stuart Lancaster recalled the atmosphere in Cardiff two years ago when the roof was shut
Stuart Lancaster recalled the atmosphere in Cardiff two years ago when the roof was shut (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

England kick-start their RBS Six Nations campaign against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Friday evening.

For head coach Stuart Lancaster it serves as the perfect opportunity to lay down a marker going into the tournament and ahead of the World Cup later this year.

But England's first home test of the calendar year will come against Italy on February 14th and Lancaster is particularly relishing the build-up to Twickenham.

The 45-year-old took on the role of head coach in 2011 and immediately set about reconnecting his players with the Twickenham public.

Lancaster initiated a pre-match tradition whereby his squad alights from the team bus before the Lion Gate and march towards the players' entrance through great crowds of supporters.

But it is once they get beyond the entrance to Twickenham - 90 minutes prior to kick-off - that the real preparation begins.

"You come into a very private, inner-sanctum," Lancaster said.

"You arrive an hour and a half before kick-off and then the players have got an hour before we go out for the team warm-up.

"You come back in and you wait. You're emotionally trying to calm yourself down and make sure you're thinking clearly.

"[During the anthems] You look across the number of people in the stadium and the awareness of the people watching at home. That's the moment when the enormity of the job and responsibility lands on your shoulders."

Watch the video below as Lancaster lifts the lid on the build-up to a Six Nations game at the home of rugby...

(Natwest)

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in