FORMER Saints back rower Paul Sculthorpe MBE has joined the England Rugby League staff.

Today's announcement confirms the reasoning behind him being with the England camp for the Ladbrokes Four Nations opening game against New Zealand at the John Smith;s Stadium in Huddersfield on Saturday.

The ex-Great Britain captain and England star, who played more than 200 games and scored over 1000 points for St Helens, will work closely alongside newly-appointed assistant coach Paul Anderson on building the Elite Training Squad’s programmes and assist on preparations for the forthcoming World Cup in 2017 and future tournaments.

Sculthorpe said: “It doesn’t get much better than being part of your national side.

“Representing your country was always something I was very proud of and thoroughly enjoyed when I look back on my career."

Joining former international representatives in the Performance and Development Department - Jamie Peacock MBE, Paul Anderson, Paul Wellens and Kevin Sinfield MBE – Sculthorpe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having won four Super League Grand Finals, four Challenge Cups, two World Club Challenges and is still the only player to have been named Man of Steel on two consecutive occasions (2001 & 2002).

"To now have the opportunity to assist Paul Anderson, Jamie Peacock and Kevin Sinfield with this strong group of players is fantastic," said Scully.

“This is an exciting time to be associated with England Rugby League and I’d like to thank everyone involved for giving me this chance.”

In addition to working with the senior squad, Sculthorpe will assist in improving potential England players who come through the England Talent Pathway development system and support the development of players in the community game.

He will also act as a mentor to future talent.

Since he retired in 2008, Sculthorpe has been involved in a business development role at the Saints.

He will remain on board with the club as an ambassador.