FORMER Worcester Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan is joining the England Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Ryan, who left Warriors unexpectedly in June, starts his new role in August and will be the head of international player development.

He had been linked with the England head coach's role in the autumn before Eddie Jones landed the position.

The 50-year-old quit Warriors after three seasons having led them to promotion back to the Aviva Premiership in his second term.

Under Ryan's guidance, Warriors finished 10th in the top tier last season.

Reporting to Nigel Melville, the RFU’s director of professional rugby, 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.

Ryan will work closely with academies and national-team coaches to align best practice and consistency from the under 16 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.

Ryan 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 under 20s winning their third World Rugby Under 20s Championship title in four years and the Saxons series win in South Africa.

“This is an opportunity for England 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 said: “I’m thrilled that Dean is joining England with his considerable experience of hands-on coaching in the professional game and expertise in developing players in the Premiership and Championship.

“He also understands both the challenges and opportunities within our current national academy and professional domestic game and will work closely with clubs and the academies.

“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.”

Ryan was previously part of Scotland’s coaching set up during the 2013 RBS 6 Nations, where he helped the side to their highest finish in the championship for seven years.

When Ryan departed Warriors earlier this summer, Sixways chief executive Jim O’Toole denied there had been a bust-up at the club.

At the time, O’Toole insisted the situation with Ryan had “escalated somewhat" when the former England player made it “crystal clear” he no longer wanted to remain at Sixways.

The former England international spent four years as head coach of Gloucester from 2005 to 2009 with the club finishing top of the Premiership table for two consecutive seasons in 2007 and 2008.

He has coached with Melville previously at Gloucester and with England under 20s.

In his playing days, Ryan won four England caps and the former No. 8 had spells at Saracens, Wasps, Newcastle and Bristol.