Lydon turns down academy position

Lydon is a former rugby league international

Former England backs coach Joe Lydon has parted company with the Rugby Football Union after rejecting a chance to work with the national academy.

The RFU said the 42-year-old former Great Britain rugby league star left as part of "a mutual agreement".

Lydon was offered the post after losing his position in the England coaching set-up after this year's Six Nations.

Defence coach Phil Larder and kicking guru Dave Alred also lost their jobs as part of a backroom shake-up.

Lydon, a former coach of the England sevens team and manager of the U19 team, joined the senior England coaching team two years ago.

"Joe achieved a lot in his six years at the RFU, and I, and many others, enjoyed working with him," said coach Andy Robinson.

"I am particularly proud of my involvement within the player development pathway, and the successes achieved by the England sevens and England A teams," said Lydon.

"I feel honoured to have been part of the senior England coaching structure in recent times."