Widnes Vikings coach Denis Betts has signed a new contract with the club – and has been named as the new England assistant coach.
Betts has committed to the Vikings until the end of the 2019 season and in another boost, has also joined Wayne Bennett’s new-look coaching team in the England backroom setup.
Speaking about the appointment, Bennett said: “Denis was a wonderful player for England and as a coach is someone who gets the best out of his players.
“He will be keeping an eye on the games in the UK as we start to put plans in place for the forthcoming Four Nations tournament.”
Betts, who also extended his contract for a further two years with the Vikings, played for both Great Britain and England, won thirteen major honours with Wigan and is a former Lance Todd Trophy winner and Man of Steel.
Capped 36 times for Great Britain and England, Betts has featured in two World Cups and was the last England captain to lead the team out in a World Cup final in 1995.
Speaking about his appointment, Betts said: “I am delighted that Wayne has asked me to be Assistant Coach for the national team. Wayne is an iconic figure in the game and to work with and learn from someone with his experience is an opportunity I am relishing.”
“There are some incredibly talented players in and around the England squad and I am confident that they will be able to do their country proud in this year’s Four Nations and at the World Cup next year. I am excited to be given the opportunity to work with them and I am looking forward to meeting up with all of the selected players in October.”
Bennett, who will be travelling to the UK in June to meet with British based players, will take in a number of First Utility Super League games and will announce his full backroom staff while he is in the country.
We reported earlier on Thursday how the identity of Bennett’s No.2 was set to be revealed today.
More to follow..
