Lancaster joins RFU

Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Stuart Lancaster has been appointed England's new head of elite player development.

Lancaster will end a 16-year association with Leeds on June 1 to replace Conor O'Shea, who is leaving the Rugby Football Union for a position with the English Institute of Sport.

The RFU clarified that Lancaster's appointment does not affect the job offer of Academy head coach made to Brian Ashton when he was replaced as England supremo by Martin Johnson.

A statement read: "The only change we have made is to remove Conor's old job title of director of the national academy and replace it with head of elite player development so it more accurately reflects the role.

"Stuart will be directly responsible for all the administration and elite player development processes, which help identify young talent from the age of 13.

"He will also be responsible for the overall management of the under-18, under-20, Sevens and England Saxons representative sides, as well as bringing a wealth of coaching experience across the programme.

"Stuart's appointment does not affect the offer to Brian Ashton as head coach of the National Academy, and these discussions are continuing."