The newly-created role will see Cummings serve as the public face of match officials, according to IRL.

He will have responsibility for appointments, development, high-performance evaluation, pathways and educational frameworks.

"We were really encouraged by the level of interest from highly qualified applicants for this important role,” said Danny Kazandjian, IRL’s global operations manager.

"Stuart came through a rigorous selection process and we all look forward to working with him and helping him to grow and develop both the number and quality of the match officials available to officiate at international matches.

"Stuart brings independence, and is well respected across a number of sports.

"The high praise he has received for his achievements with other organisations underlines his capabilities.

"His multi-sport experience will be a real asset to International Rugby League.”

Cummings, a former international referee, previously worked as the Rugby Football League match officials director.

He has also held roles in officiating departments in netball and weightlifting, and worked with the England and Wales Cricket Board’s umpiring panel.

"I am really excited and honoured to be taking on this role with International Rugby League,” Cummings said.

"Since I refereed my first international in 1994, I have seen officiating in international competition as the pinnacle of a match official’s career.

"I look forward to developing opportunities for officials to experience some of the highs that I did during my officiating career as well as working with countries where rugby league is developing as a sport in order to create pathways for their match officials to progress."

The IRL said the match official manager role is an important part of its global conversion strategy.

The strategy aims to grow the number of match officials and increase the pool of officials suitably qualified and experienced enough to officiate the growing number of international matches played around the world.

Cummings will leave his role as part of the Sky Sports commentary team in the United Kingdom after taking the new position.