Lancaster has secured promotion in his first season in charge

"We'll need to improve next season," admitted Lancaster, but he insisted the Tykes had the attacking and defensive capabilities to live in the top flight.

"If we get those things right then we've got everything else in place, on and off the field.

"And when you look at some of the rugby played in the Premiership then you do fancy your chances."

More than 7,000 turned up at Headingley on Sunday as Leeds were presented with the Division One trophy and celebrated an immediate return to the top flight.

The day turned flat as Earth Titans, who Leeds had beaten to the title, won 32-29, but with promotion secured as long as two weeks ago Lancaster was not overly perturbed.

In his first season since stepping up from academy manager he has successfully rebuilt a club which saw 25 squad members depart following relegation.

"It was an unsettling time for everybody and when I got the job a lot of the players had already decided to move on," said Lancaster.

"But we've grown the supporter base, improved on and off the field and the academy is moving forward all the time.

"And, above all, we've got a team that is playing for each other.

"It's a balance but I'm a firm believer in continuity.

"There are a lot of good players who played for us throughout the course of the season and if we add sensibly then I think we've got a chance of being competitive.

"We know it won't be easy - we were there for five years and the gulf in class is huge."