Former Great Britain rugby league star Joe Lydon was appointed as the Welsh Rugby Union`s new head of performance and development on Wednesday.

Lydon will leave his post as Wigan Warriors performance director on December to oversee all Welsh rugby aspects outside the national squad and had been given a seat on the WRU`s executive board.

The 44-year-old, who won 30 caps for Great Britain, will be charged with managing a new structure for age grade rugby, sevens and women`s squads, as well as the community game across all divisions.

Former Wigan star Lydon previously enjoyed a successful coaching spell with the English Rugby Football Union, working with the England Under-19s coach, the successful England sevens squad and as senior team backs coach.

Lydon said: `I look forward to drawing on my experiences gained from being involved in professional rugby of both codes over the last 25 years.

`I feel confident this role will provide an opportunity and challenge within one of the most passionately-supported rugby playing nations in the world.

`Just as it is in my hometown of Wigan, rugby in Wales is much more than a sport - it`s a way of life.`

Wales head coach Warren Gatland added: `I have talked to Joe about the challenges and the way forward for Welsh rugby, and I am impressed by his knowledge and his professionalism.

`I am looking forward to working closely with him - and I see this as an extremely positive appointment which will undoubtedly benefit Welsh rugby.`