Denis Betts leaves England's rugby league coaching staff as Chris Black joins

By Andy Charles

Image: Denis Betts is no longer one of England's assistant coaches

Widnes Vikings head coach Denis Betts has left his role as an assistant to England coach Wayne Bennett.

Bennett, who recently signed a new two-year deal to continue in charge of the national team, confirmed his new-look backroom team on Friday, with Betts the only casualty.

Betts had been one of Bennett's right-hand men for the last two years.

Paul Wellens stays on as an assistant coach, while Jamie Peacock remains team manager, and there is a new addition as Chris Black joins the team as human performance lead.

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Bennett said: "First of all I want to thank Denis for his contribution over the last two years, he has been a great assistant coach and I appreciate all his efforts.

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"We welcome Chris Black in to the staff and I'm certain his knowledge and insight will be extremely beneficial to the squad as we look ahead to the Test matches against New Zealand this year."

RFL rugby director Kevin Sinfield added: "Wayne likes to freshen up his coaching team and has consistently done this wherever he has been.

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"Denis has done an outstanding job over the last two years and his contribution should not be underestimated."

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