Joe Lydon steps down from England player development role

Joe Lydon has resigned his position as England's head of international player development after nearly three years in the role.

Lydon, the former Great Britain rugby league international, joined the Rugby Football Union in August 2013, and has been responsible for managing the performance pathway of players towards the England team.

The 52-year-old's remit of teams included Saxons, Under-20s, Under-18s, sevens, and the women's senior, sevens and Under-20s teams.

"I have had a fulfilling time within my role at the RFU, and have taken great pleasure in seeing the pathway continue to develop," Lydon said in an RFU statement.

"I am proud to have worked with so many quality people whose collective aim continues to be the development of players in order to maximise potential for both their respective clubs and England Rugby."

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said: "The RFU, the coaches and teams have benefited greatly from Joe's wealth of experience, which has enabled the pathway to continue to develop and deliver results across the board.

"On behalf of the union, we wish him well for the future and thank him for all he has done."