Wayne Bennett will coach England at the Downer Rugby League World Cup Nines in Sydney this autumn.

Bennett, the England and South Sydney Rabbitohs boss, will guide the men's team in the 12-side competition at Bankwest Stadium before taking charge of Great Britain for their four-Test tour of the southern hemisphere.

Craig Richards will coach the England women in their four-team tournament at the same venue, also on October 18 and 19.

"We're excited by the prospect of the Downer World Cup Nines in Sydney," the Rugby Football League's rugby director Kevin Sinfield said.

"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."

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