Former Ireland international Conor O'Shea is to become the Rugby Football Union's director of performance, replacing Nigel Melville.

Melville is leaving "to pursue new opportunities" and 49-year-old O'Shea will take over next year.

O'Shea resigned as Italy coach this month and was previously director of rugby at Harlequins and London Irish.

"We are here to provide a sustainable, winning environment and I hope I can play my part," he said.

The RFU said O'Shea would "manage the England player, coaching and match officials pathways across men's and women's 15s and Sevens programmes".

In a statement, it added: "He will work closely with England men's head coach Eddie Jones, however the England team remains the responsibility of Jones who will continue to report directly to [chief executive Bill] Sweeney."