Wayne Bennett replaces Steve McNamara as England RL boss

Bennett, 66, has agreed a two-year contract which will see him take charge of England for this year’s Four Nations and the 2017 World Cup.

He will remain as Brisbane coach, but is expected to appoint a Super League-based assistant.

His appointment comes after the RFL announced they would not be renewing the contract of previous coach Steve McNamara.

Bennett, the most successful coach in Australian rugby league history, said: “I am very excited by the challenge of taking England on to the next level.

“From what I have seen I have been impressed by the ambition and energy demonstrated by the team and I look forward to working with a group of players I believe have what it takes to succeed on the international stage.”

Bennett has a record seven NRL Grand Final wins as a coach.

He will be in England later this month, when Brisbane take on Wigan Warriors in the World Club Series.

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood, said: “Wayne is quite rightly regarded as the outstanding coach of this generation and I am delighted we have been able to secure his services.

“This England team has made considerable progress over the last few years and we now possess truly world class players across all positions.

“These players deserve the very best support and coaching as we attempt to move from contenders into potential winners of international tournaments.

“I believe Wayne Bennett is undoubtedly the right man to lead this group forward and enable them to do this.

“We will be discussing with Wayne in due course the coaching support he will need which we expect will be UK based”.