England appoint Paul Deacon as assistant coach to Steve McNamara

England have announced the appointment of Paul Deacon as assistant coach ahead of the World Cup this year.

The 34-year-old, who currently works as a coach for Wigan, will work alongside head coach Steve McNamara and the remaining staff.

"It is a great honour and a terrific opportunity for me and one I'm really looking forward to being involved with," BBC Sport quotes Deacon as saying.

Deacon featured for England four times during his 13-year playing career.