Brian McDermott, who previously guided the Leeds Rhinos to multiple championships, has been confirmed as the new head coach of the England national rugby league team. The appointment comes as England prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be staged in Australia later this year.
McDermott, currently serving as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, steps into the role following the resignation of Shaun Wane in January after England suffered a 3‑0 defeat in the Ashes series. In his first public comments, McDermott expressed both humility and determination: "I am incredibly proud to take on the role of England head coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. My focus now is on creating an environment where players can perform with confidence, represent the shirt with pride, and give themselves the best chance of going deep into the tournament. I have always been hands‑on and close to the detail, and that will be important in this role.
My job now is to get the standards right, build belief in the group, and make sure we're ready when it matters." The selection panel that chose McDermott was made up of former England captain Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed RFL non‑executive director Sara Symington, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku, and RFL chair Nigel Wood. RFL executive director of performance and participation Marc Lovering also provided support throughout the process.
The panel considered a shortlist that included former players and coaches Sam Burgess, Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley. Wood praised McDermott, saying he "emerged from an outstanding field of candidates" and that the selection process was "comprehensive, thorough and the RFL is indebted to all those that assisted in the process." The RFL released a statement confirming that McDermott will appoint his own coaching staff in due course, allowing him the flexibility to build a team that reflects his philosophy and the specific demands of international competition. The statement also highlighted McDermott's pedigree as the most successful coach in Super League history. During his tenure at Leeds Rhinos from 2011 to 2018, he secured four Grand Final victories, including the celebrated "golden generation" treble in 2015, a side that featured legends such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire.
Beyond his achievements in the UK, McDermott brings valuable experience from the overseas game. After leaving Leeds, he took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack, guiding the Canadian franchise to promotion into the Super League in 2019. A brief spell at Featherstone Rovers followed before he moved to Australia to work in the NRL, first with the Newcastle Knights and most recently with the Gold Coast Titans.
This NRL exposure gives him day‑to‑day insight into many of the players England will face at the World Cup, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League ensures he can tap into the best talent from England’s domestic competition. The appointment arrives at a time when rugby league’s media presence is expanding. Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, offering two exclusive live fixtures each round and covering the remaining five games on its main channel.
The increased visibility is expected to boost the sport’s profile ahead of the World Cup and provide a platform for the national team’s preparations. Looking ahead, McDermott’s immediate priorities will include assessing the current player pool, establishing a clear playing style, and fostering a culture of confidence and pride within the squad.
He will need to balance the demands of the domestic season with the longer‑term goal of building a cohesive unit capable of competing against the powerhouses of the Southern Hemisphere, particularly Australia and New Zealand, who will be playing on home soil. In addition to on‑field tactics, McDermott is likely to focus on player welfare, sports science, and the integration of emerging talent from the academy system. His hands‑on approach, as described in his own remarks, suggests a willingness to delve into the minutiae of training sessions, game plans and individual player development.
By setting high standards and nurturing belief, he aims to ensure that England not only competes but also makes a deep run in the 2026 tournament. The broader rugby league community has reacted positively to the news. Former players and analysts have praised the decision to bring in a coach with a proven track record of success at both club and international levels.
Fans are hopeful that McDermott’s blend of Super League triumphs and NRL experience will translate into a more competitive England side, capable of challenging the dominance of the Australian Kangaroos and the New Zealand Kiwis. As the calendar progresses, the England coaching staff will likely convene for a series of training camps, talent identification programs, and friendly matches to fine‑tune the squad. The upcoming Super League fixtures, all broadcast live on Sky Sports, will provide a valuable showcase for potential England players to demonstrate form and fitness.
In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment marks a significant step for English rugby league as it gears up for the 2026 World Cup. With a resume that includes multiple Grand Final victories, a historic treble, and recent NRL experience, McDermott is well‑positioned to steer the national team toward greater success on the global stage.
The RFL’s confidence in his abilities, combined with the expanded media coverage and a clear mandate to build a winning culture, sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in England’s rugby league story.