Dean Ryan is to become head of international player development at the RFU

Former Worcester and Gloucester coach Dean Ryan is to join the RFU in August as head of international player development.

The 50-year-old, who was capped four times by England during his playing days, will work under director of professional rugby Nigel Melville.

The RFU say Ryan will "be responsible for leading and managing the international performance pathway to provide a pipeline of players capable of securing sustainable success for England Rugby".

The RFU adds: "Ryan will work closely with academies and national-team coaches to align best practice and consistency from the U16 age group going through to the senior team.

"He will also oversee the development of elite coaches, including current national-team coaches, and the identification of potential future international coaches."

Gloucester twice finished top of the Premiership table while Ryan was head coach and he went on to establish Worcester Warriors in the top flight before leaving at the end of last season.

He is looking forward to his new role and said: "I am delighted to be joining the RFU at an exciting time for rugby in England.

"The month of June alone saw incredible success, with the senior team winning the series in Australia, the U20s winning their third World Rugby Championship title in four years and the Saxons series win in South Africa.

"This is an opportunity for England Rugby to take that next step and become a dominant force in world rugby. To do this we need to ensure we continue to develop a world-class pathway system for our players and elite coaches.

"Having excellent relationships with the professional clubs is key, and we need to be joined up in our approach so we develop players who are ready to take that step into the senior international environment and make a real impact for England."

Melville added: "I'm thrilled that Dean is joining England Rugby with his considerable experience of hands-on coaching in the professional game and expertise in developing players in the Premiership and Championship.

"This role is critically important for us to ensure we have a consistent and aligned player pathway with the best coaches that help to create long-term success for England."