WAYNE Bennett, Australia's most successful rugby league coach, is taking on the role of head coach of England.

The Brisbane Broncos' coach will continue in his Queensland role as well.

Bennett has succeeded Steve McNamara in the English role.

The 66-year-old signed a two-year deal, taking him through the 2016 Four Nations and the 2017 World Cup.

"I am very excited by the challenge of taking England on to the next level," Bennett said.

"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 that I believe have what it takes to succeed on the international stage."

England's cricket, rugby union and rugby league teams are now all coached by Australians - Trevor Bayliss, Eddie Jones and Bennett.

Bennett has guided Brisbane and St George Illawarra to seven Grand Final wins.

He has twice coached Australia and was right-hand man to Stephen Kearney, his current Broncos assistant, when New Zealand won the World Cup in 2008.

McNamara, 44, had been in the role since 2010.

His contract expired following November's Test series against New Zealand, which England won 2-1.