Lydon takes on RFU role

Joe Lydon has been appointed England's new head of international player development.

The former England attack coach will move to Twickenham from his current role as head of rugby at the Welsh Rugby Union.

Lydon will report to Stuart Lancaster and the Rugby Football Union says his brief will be to "lead and manage the international performance pathway to provide a pipeline of international players for England".

Lancaster, the England head coach, was put in charge of the RFU's whole performance department following a review conducted by Peter Keen and Ian McGeechan.

Lydon will manage the elite structure, which covers the England Saxons, age-grade teams, the Sevens programme and the national women's teams.

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said: "This is a critical building block in the RFU's departmental reorganisation, ensuring that there will be a clear focus on long-term development. Joe is a fantastic addition to the RFU and I am confident he will help ensure future success at all levels."

Lydon's start date is still to be confirmed.