THE WELSH Rugby Union’s head of rugby Joe Lydon is leaving his job after five years to take up a new role with England’s Rugby Football Union.

The former Widnes, Wigan and Great Britain rugby league star will be the RFU’s head of international player development.

Lydon said: “I am sad to be leaving Wales, but the challenge of playing such a pivotal role in the development of English rugby at this time is one I had to take up.

“Welsh rugby is in great shape and I leave behind a team of people more than capable of achieving the goals we have set.

“The experience I have gained across the past five years with the WRU will set me in great stead for the exciting new challenge ahead.”