Conor O'Shea has been confirmed as the RFU’s new director of performance, with professional rugby director Nigel Melville leaving the governing body.
Former Harlequins coach O’Shea, who played 35 times for Ireland, spent three years in charge of Italy before resigning earlier this month.
O’Shea will work closely with England boss Eddie Jones, planning for the 2023 World Cup in France. Like Jones, he will report directly to CEO Bill Sweeney.
Melville had been at the RFU for three years and acted as interim CEO earlier this year.
"I am privileged and honoured and it is an incredible opportunity to join at a really exciting time for English rugby," O'Shea said.
"I’ve spent the last four years in Italy, six years at Harlequins and before that 10 years at London Irish, so I feel I know the system pretty well.
"The good times, the bad times, winning things and being competitive, so I can relate to the people and challenges that happen within our system. I have learned a huge amount internationally in the last few years as well."
