WIGAN Warriors performance director Joe Lydon is leaving the club to take up the post of Head of Rugby Performance and Development with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Lydon re-joined the Warriors in December 2007 as Chief Executive when Ian Lenagan took over control of the club and, when a Management Board was formed in June 2008, Joe requested to move into the newly-created role of performance director.

The former Widnes, Wigan and Great Britain Rugby League international will take charge of all aspects of Welsh rugby outside the senior national squad.

Chairman Lenagan, said: “We are disappointed that Joe is leaving but take it as a compliment that the Welsh Rugby Union has taken note of the innovative Performance Development work being done in Rugby League at Wigan and the quality of our people.

“We have known about Joe’s move for some time and are confident that the evolution of our Performance Department will continue to ensure that we can identify, develop and provide opportunities for the best players in the game to flourish at Wigan.

“We wish Joe well in his new role.”

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 and feel confident that this role will provide 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.”

Joe Lydon will leave at the end of November to take up his new role at the WRU Centre of Excellence.

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