AUSTRALIAN Wayne Bennett is to continue as England head coach and will also lead the revived British Lions in 2019.

The 68-year-old’s two-year contract with the Rugby Football League ran out after he guided England to the final of the 2017 World Cup, but he has agreed a new two-year deal after being persuaded to stay on in the job.

The length of Bennett’s new contract suggests he will not lead England into the next World Cup in 2021, when he will be 71.