FORMER Worcester Warriors boss Dean Ryan will leave his role as the RFU’s head of international player development to become director of rugby at Dragons.

The former England number eight joins the Newport-based Welsh regional side from the start of July.

Ryan joined the RFU in 2016 where he managed the international performance pathway and provided a pipeline of players for England.

During his tenure England won the Under 20s Six Nations Grand Slam in 2017 and reached the final of the last two World Rugby Under 20 Championships.

Ryan previously worked with Dragons as a rugby consultant in 2012.

Director of professional rugby Nigel Melville said: “I’d like to thank Dean for his commitment to developing the next generation of players and coaches during his time at the RFU.

"Dean’s innovative approach to coach development has enabled a number of young Premiership coaches to coach at international level and for some of our younger players to experience unique leadership challenges that will benefit them in the future.

"We wish Dean every success in his new role at Dragons."

The 52 year-old joined the RFU from Warriors where he was director of rugby for three seasons as they were relegated from the Premiership and promoted from the Championship.

Ryan spent four years as head coach of Gloucester from 2005 to 2009 with the club finishing top of the Premiership table for two consecutive seasons in 2007 and 2008.

In his playing days he won four England caps and had spells at Saracens, Wasps, Newcastle and Bristol.

Meanwhile, another former Warriors boss is also on the move.

Ospreys have named ex-Scotland flanker Carl Hogg as their new forwards coach.

Hogg, 49, will join after finishing his duties as Scotland under 20s coach in the World Rugby Junior Championships in Argentina next month.