2 Jamie Peacock is a former England captain

Former England captain Jamie Peacock is back on the international scene after being appointed by the Rugby Football League as England team manager.

The former Leeds forward, who was capped 47 times by Great Britain and England, will work alongside new head coach Wayne Bennett for this year’s Four Nations Series.

Peacock, 38, who took up his first off-field role as head of rugby at Hull KR after bringing his distinguished playing career to an end last season, will join two other former Great Britain internationals, Denis Betts and Paul Wellens, on the England backroom staff.

“I feel privileged to have been offered the position of England team manager,” said Peacock, who will be responsible for team planning and logistics, day-to-day management of the tournament programme, manage relationships with the RFL, clubs and sponsors and will lead on player support.

Peacock’s appointment is initially for this year but he will be seen as the front runner to take on the role of England tour manager for the 2017 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“I always wanted to get back into the England set-up somehow.” said Peacock, who captained his country for seven years up to his retirement from the international game in June 2012.

“Representing my country whilst playing was always the proudest moments of my career and being the England team manager will feel exactly the same.”

Peacock was initially outspoken on the appointment of Bennett, arguing that Steve McNamara should have been retained in the role and reveals he spoke to both men before taking on the job of team manager.

“I said what I meant at the time out of loyalty to Steve,” he said. “Since then, I’ve spoken to Wayne and asked him for the reasons he wanted the job and the reasons were great to hear.

“I’ve spoken to Steve Mac and I also told Wayne I initially spoke out against him so everyone was clear as to what was going on.

“Now I just want to be part of an England side that can win the Four Nations and potentially be involved in the one that wins the World Cup as well. I want to try and contribute towards that, I think everyone involved in rugby league in this country has a duty to do that.”

Peacock met Bennett at the meeting he held with 31 leading Super League players during his recent week-long trip to the UK to begin his preparations for the Four Nations Series.

“He held the room captivated, I was ready to put my boots back on,” Peacock said.

“He’s going to be good for the team. You could see in that short meeting why he has done what he has done. I feel talent leads.

“I watched every game of last year’s series win over New Zealand and you could see the belief among this squad – these are special times for England with Wayne Bennett in charge and Sam Burgess returning. I’m looking forward to being part of a winning England set-up.”

Bennett, who is full-time coach of Brisbane Broncos, is not due to return to the country until the end of the NRL season, leaving Peacock, Betts and Wellens to get preparations under way for a Test match against France in October.

Bennett said: “Jamie was always a player who did his best for his country and thrived in the international game. Having him in camp with the squad is another positive to add to the belief that England can go on and achieve great things.”