Diccon Edwards has been appointed Leeds coach © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Pendlebury commits to Leeds

News: Sharks snap up Fourie

News: Worcester bounce back to Premiership

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Leeds Tykes

RFU national academy coach Diccon Edwards has been tasked with guiding Leeds back into the Aviva Premiership at the first attempt.

A former player and academy coach at the Yorkshire club, Edwards has worked as assistant to England Under-20 chief Rob Hunter this season, helping them to secure a Six Nations Grand Slam.

He will remain with the Under-20s while they compete in the IRB Junior World Championship in Italy but will then take over at Headingley.

Leeds finished bottom of the Premiership table and their relegation was confirmed when Worcester beat Cornish Pirates to win the Championship play-off final. Head coach Neil Back stood down in the wake of the final-day defeat to Northampton, and Edwards is looking forward to starting his new role.

"I would like to thank Rob Andrew, Stuart Lancaster, Kevin Bowring and everyone at the RFU for the opportunity to work within a world class organisation for the past year," Edwards said.

"I feel that I have developed a great deal in the last 12 months and helping the England U20s achieve a Grand Slam this season was a particular highlight for me. However, the chance to come back to my club and help return us to the top flight was too good to resist and I feel the timing is right for me as a coach."

RFU operations director Andrew added: "Diccon's made a very positive impact in the short time he's been with us, working with some very talented young players and helping mould a side that won a Six Nations Grand Slam this season.

"The opportunity to take charge at Leeds Carnegie is an exciting one for him and he leaves the RFU with our best wishes and thanks. Our elite coach development programme continues to add value to coaches and it is good to see another coach gain from his experience with the RFU and be offered an opportunity with a top club."