Paul Anderson has been appointed as England’s full time assistant coach.
The former Huddersfield head coach will support Wayne Bennett, Denis Betts and Paul Wellens in preparing the England Senior Squad for the 2016 Ladbrokes Four Nations and 2017 World Cup.
In his time at Huddersfield, the Giants enjoyed their most successful period of the Super League era, guiding his team to League Leaders’ Shield success in his first full season in charge and the play-offs in 2014 and 2015.
As a player, Leeds, Bradford Bulls and St Helens, he has lifted the Super League trophy three times, won the Challenge Cup in 2006, won two World Club Challenges, appeared in the 2005 Super League Dream Team and represented England (five times) and Great Britain (10 times).
On his appointment to the England coaching staff, Anderson said: “The more I thought about this role the more I thought it would be a good fit for me.
“The biggest factor in taking this job was the opportunity to work alongside Wayne, Denis and Paul. To see people who have been in the game for long periods and learn from them is something I’m looking forward to. Wayne’s experience is unquestionable and Denis is doing a great job at Widnes. Paul is a young, upcoming coach and someone who’s been there and done that.
“I can’t wait to get started on Monday morning. All the players who will get selected are the elite in this country and are all there with a common goal. I can’t see there being much teaching but more mentoring and helping them be the best they can be.”
RFL Chief Executive, Nigel Wood, said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of Paul as a full time member of the England coaching set up. Paul has superb calibre as a coach, a thorough knowledge of the English game and he is an outstanding addition to the team.
“Paul is now one of a group of top English coaches and former players involved with England and will join them in working with the most successful coach in Rugby League history, Wayne Bennett. Their appointments represent a significant investment and commitment to help develop the best English coaches and enable them to work with and learn from the best in the world.”
The 2016 Ladbrokes Four Nations featuring England, Australia, New Zealand and Scotland starts on Friday, October 28 and more than 50 per cent of tickets are priced at £25 or less. Buy tickets here or call the Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113 (calls to this number will cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.)
