The 38-year-old director of rugby will end his association with the club at the end of the season to take up a role as head of elite player development with the RFU.

Lancaster has been in charge of Leeds Carnegie 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.

Lancaster's final game in charge will be this Saturday's Guinness Premiership finale with London Wasps at Headingley Carnegie, kick-off 3pm.

Lancaster said: "It has been a very difficult decision for me to leave Leeds Carnegie. 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 to me to work and coach at the top end of the International game developing senior and young players alike to play 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.

"This opportunity has come about in a very short period of time, so much so that I had already made many plans for next season. Hopefully, that will leave firm foundations for the club to build on for next season and the mission of returning to the Guinness Premiership."