VIKINGS head coach Denis Betts has been appointed as Assistant Coach of the England team by new head coach Wayne Bennett.

Betts, who has also today signed a two-year contract extension at the Select Security Stadium, will form a key part of the England backroom team for this year’s Four Nations as well as the 2017 World Cup.

The 46-year-old’s new deal ties him to the Vikings until 2019 and he will combine his new role with guiding Widnes through the challenges of Super League.

Betts, who was the last England captain to lead his team out in a World Cup final in 1995, says he is excited about the opportunity of working with Brisbane Broncos coach Bennett.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Bennett, who replaced Steve McNamara as the national team’s head coach in February, expressed his delight with having 36-cap Great Britain and England international Betts on his coaching staff.

“Denis was a wonderful player for England and as a coach is someone who gets the best out of his players,” he said.

“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.”