BEN MORGAN has warmly welcomed Stuart Lancaster’s appointment as England manager on a permanent basis.

The former Dursley player was handed his international debut by Lancaster against Scotland in the Six Nations and went on to play a starring role in a new-look side that restored England’s pride after a disappointing World Cup in New Zealand.

No 8 Morgan was outstanding in the 24-22 win over France in Paris and named man of the match in the 30-9 win over Ireland that cemented second spot for England in the Championship.

And he praised Lancaster for the impact he made.

“He’s come in, brought the squad together and proved he’s got what it takes,” Morgan told the Gazette today.

“He installed a tight culture in the group. He was making us play together and showing us what it means to be in the team and what it means to play for your country.”