Lancaster said it was a difficult decision to leave Leeds

Leeds rugby director Stuart Lancaster has been appointed as England's new head of elite player development.

He will replace Conor O'Shea, who is leaving the Rugby Football Union to join the English Institute of Sport.

The move has upset Leeds, who believe the RFU approached Lancaster before making contact with them, although they will not be taking the matter further.

The RFU says Lancaster's role will not affect the offer of the job of National Academy head coach to Brian Ashton.

Talks over Ashton's future are ongoing after he was replaced as England coach following the decision to name Martin Johnson as England team manager.

An RFU statement read: "Stuart will be directly responsible for all the administration and elite player development processes, which help identify young talent from the age of 13.

"He will also be responsible for the overall management of the Under-18, Under-20, Sevens and England Saxons representative sides.

"Stuart's appointment does not affect the offer to Brian Ashton as head coach of the National Academy, and these discussions are continuing."

Lancaster has been in charge at Headingley for the last two seasons and was previously head of the club's Academy, helping develop England hopefuls like Jordan Crane and Danny Care.

As director of rugby, Lancaster won promotion to the Guinness Premiership in 2007 but could not keep Leeds in the top flight this season.

606: DEBATE How has Stuart Lancaster managed to get this role after his fantastically successful season at Leeds...? Greenslade85

Lancaster's final game in charge will be against Wasps on Saturday.

"It has been a very difficult decision for me to leave Leeds Carnegie," he said.

"I can think of no other role I would have left the club for. However, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"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 hope to have a replacement appointed by July but are angry at the way the RFU went about recruiting Lancaster.

I can think of no other role I would have left the club for Stuart Lancaster

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

"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 no doubt he will prove to be a shrewd signing for the RFU."