Lancaster replaces O'Shea at RFU

Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Stuart Lancaster has been appointed England's new head of elite player development, a job previously filled by former Irish international Conor O'Shea..

Lancaster will end a 16-year association with Leeds on June 1 to replace O'Shea, who is leaving the Rugby Football Union to take up a position as National Director 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.