Shaun Wane says he is returning to rugby league as a better coach as he gets down to the business of attempting to win the 2021 World Cup with England.

The former Wigan coach, who has spent the last 12 months working for Scottish Rugby Union, has been appointed full-time to replace veteran Australian Wayne Bennett, who performed the role on a part-time basis over the last four years.

Wane was unveiled by the Rugby Football League at a press conference at the University of Bolton Stadium, where he confirmed that he has already begun work in his new role, having completed his job as head of performance in Glasgow.

“I’m glad I did it,” he said. “I looked at other sports. In my time with Scotland, I didn’t do much with the top squad but I looked at all the age groups and met some good people and learnt some important things which I will use.

“I am a league man but I have had time away and I think it’s made me a better coach.

“I have an open mind and I try to learn something every day and Scotland did some quality things. I can add to the good stuff that England are already doing.”

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer, who admitted that ticket sales for the end-of-year Ashes Series would be a consideration when it came to appointing the next coach, said it was time for a change of direction with a full-time UK-based man in charge.

Rimmer, who with RFL rugby director Kevin Sinfield carried out a review into the disappointing Great Britain tour, said: “We think this is an exciting appointment that will be welcomed by England rugby league supporters.

“Shaun is passionate about the game and his country and is also an outstanding coach, as shown by his record in eight seasons as Wigan’s head coach, a major feature of which was the success he and the club had in developing home-grown players.”