ENGLAND has named its coaches for the World Cup Nines in Sydney on October 18 and 19.
As expected, Wayne Bennett will continue in the role for the abbreviated version of the sport while the women’s coach is also the current 13-a-side mentor, Craig Richards.
Bennett, 69, is the most successful coach in the history of Australian rugby league with seven premierships. Richards, 49, is a former Bradford, Featherstone, Hunslet, Oldham and Celtic Crusaders player
Rugby Football League director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said: “We’re excited by the prospect of the Downer World Cup Nines in Sydney, and both our men’s and women’s teams are determined to put up a good showing in what promises to be a great occasion for the international game.
“As the head coaches of our men’s and women’s teams, it’s fitting that Wayne and Craig take charge of the England teams in the Nines – and a measure of how seriously we’re taking the tournaments.
“For England Women in particular, it’s an important part of the preparations for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup – and we’re working hard behind the scenes on securing more international competition in the southern hemisphere for the team this autumn.”
The men’s tournament at Bankwest Stadium involves Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, the United States, the Cook Islands, Lebanon and Wales.
England, Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea will play in the women’s tournament.
