Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Stuart Lancaster is ending his 16-year association with the club in order to take up a role as head of player development with the RFU.

Lancaster has been in charge of Leeds for two seasons and was previously a player, captain and academy manager, where he nurtured the likes of Jordan Crane, Danny Care and Tom Biggs.

“It has been a very difficult decision for me to leave Leeds Carnegie,” Lancaster admitted. “The club has been a huge part of my life. I was here when the club was formed 16 years ago and I have given my all as a player, as captain, as academy manager and now as director of rugby.

“I can think of no other role I would have left the club for. However, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it allows me to work and coach at the top end of the international game developing senior and young players alike for England. In addition, it allows me to build on the fantastic work done by the regional academies and national academy coaches and to support the player development pathway through the clubs.”

Lancaster’s final game in charge will be this Saturday’s Guinness Premiership clash with London Wasps at Headingley Carnegie.

Leeds have yet to draw up a short-list of potential replacements but expect a new man to be in charge by July.

“The search for a successor will start by identifying those who are interested and available,” said Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington. “It is a big job and despite our relegation from the Guinness Premiership, this is an exciting time to be involved with Leeds Carnegie. We are committed to building a quality team to match our facilities and the board’s ambition.”

Lancaster concluded: “Leeds Carnegie will always hold a special place for me and I will take many special memories with me. I would like to thank everyone associated with the club for their support during my time, whether that be the many ex-players I have played with and coached, my current players, the coaching staff, the board, past and present, Leeds Metropolitan University and the supporters.”