Leeds director of rugby Stuart Lancaster will leave the relegated Guinness Premiership at the end of the season to take up a role as head of elite player development with the RFU.

The appointment has drawn a rebuke from Leeds' chief executive Gary Hetherington who has criticised the RFU's recruitment of their club-servant of 16 years.

Lancaster (pictured), 38, has been in charge of Leeds for two seasons but was previously a player, captain and academy manager where he brought through the likes of Jordan Crane, David Doherty, Danny Care and Tom Biggs.

His final game in charge will be Saturday's Guinness Premiership clash with Wasps.

"It has been a very difficult decision for me to leave Leeds - the club has been a huge part of my life," said Lancaster.

"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 to me to work and coach at the top end of the international game developing senior and young players alike to play for England."

Leeds have suffered a difficult season in the top flight and will return to National Division One after winning just two of their 21 games, with one left to play.

Lancaster's departure will not help their bid for an immediate return to the Premiership.

"We are obviously disappointed not only in losing Stuart but also with the RFU's method of recruitment," said Hetherington.

"For a sport's governing body to target the most senior employee of one of its member clubs, without dialogue with the club, is disappointing to say the least.

"I am not surprised Stuart has attracted interest from others and I have not doubt he will prove to be a shrewd signing for the RFU."

Lancaster will replace Conor O'Shea at the RFU and his appointment will not affect the national academy role offered to former England manager Brian Ashton.

"Stuart's appointment does not affect the offer to Brian Ashton MBE as head coach of the National Academy and these discussions are continuing," the RFU's elite rugby director Rob Andrew said in a statement.

The club confirmed that although a shortlist had yet to be compiled for Lancaster's replacement, they hoped to have somebody in place by the start of July.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport