Brian McDermott, the former head coach of the Leeds Rhinos, has been announced as the new senior coach for the England national rugby league side. The appointment comes as the governing body prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be staged in Australia later this year, and signals a fresh direction for the national programme. McDermott, who is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, will replace Shaun Wane. Wane stepped down in January after England suffered a clean‑sheet 3‑0 defeat in the Ashes series.
In taking over, McDermott said he feels "incredibly proud" to accept the role and is focused on building an environment where the players can perform with confidence, wear the England jersey with pride, and give themselves the best possible chance of progressing deep into the 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," McDermott explained. He added that his hands‑on approach and attention to detail would be central to his work with the squad. "My job now is to get the standards right, build belief in the group, and make sure we're ready when it matters," he said.
The selection panel that chose McDermott comprised former England captain Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed Rugby Football League (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 evaluated a strong field of candidates, including Sam Burgess, Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley.
Wood praised McDermott, noting that he "emerged from an outstanding field of candidates" and that the selection process was "comprehensive, thorough". In a statement, the RFL confirmed that McDermott will appoint his own coaching staff "in due course".
The governing body highlighted McDermott's record as the most successful coach in Super League history, pointing to his ability to assemble and develop high‑performing teams. "As the most successful coach in Super League history, Brian has demonstrated his capability to build fine teams and his previous experience as an international coach also demonstrates his knowledge of the unique challenges of harnessing players from different clubs in an international setting," the RFL said.
The RFL also noted that McDermott's current role in the NRL gives him day‑to‑day exposure to many of the opponents England will face in the World Cup, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League clubs will help ensure that the national side has access to the best talent and preparation resources. This dual insight into both the Australian and British games is expected to be a valuable asset as England seeks to improve on its recent performances on the world stage. McDermott's coaching résumé is extensive.
He guided the Leeds Rhinos from 2011 to 2018, a period that produced four Grand Final victories and included the celebrated "golden generation" treble‑winning team of 2015, featuring legends such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire. After leaving Leeds, he took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack, leading them to promotion into Super League in 2019. A brief spell at Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the Tasman to join the NRL, where he has served as an assistant coach for the Newcastle Knights and, most recently, the Gold Coast Titans. The appointment arrives at a time when Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live throughout the season, with two games per round shown exclusively on the platform and the remaining fixtures available on Sky Sports+.
This increased exposure is expected to raise the profile of the domestic competition and, by extension, provide a larger pool of players for McDermott to consider when assembling his England squad. Looking ahead, McDermott faces the immediate task of assessing the current player pool, establishing his coaching philosophy, and creating a cohesive unit capable of competing against the world's best. He will need to balance the demands of the domestic season with the preparation required for the World Cup, ensuring that players remain fit, motivated, and tactically aware. The challenge will also involve integrating younger talent with seasoned veterans, fostering a culture of accountability, and instilling a belief that England can contend for the trophy.
Beyond the tactical and technical aspects, McDermott has spoken about the importance of mental resilience and confidence. "Creating an environment where players can perform with confidence" is a phrase he repeated, underscoring his belief that psychological preparation is as vital as physical training. In an era where international rugby league is becoming increasingly competitive, the ability to manage pressure and maintain composure will be crucial for England's success. The RFL's confidence in McDermott is reflected in the statements from the selection panel and the broader rugby league community.
By appointing a coach with a proven track record of winning titles, international experience, and current exposure to the NRL, the organization hopes to chart a new course that will see England return to the upper echelons of the sport. In summary, Brian McDermott's appointment as England head coach marks a significant shift for the national side. His extensive experience, recent NRL involvement, and history of building championship teams position him as a strong candidate to lead England into the 2026 World Cup and beyond. As the season progresses, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how McDermott assembles his staff, selects his squad, and implements his vision for a more confident, competitive, and successful England rugby league team.