Brian McDermott, who previously guided the Leeds Rhinos to multiple titles, has been confirmed as the new head coach of the England national rugby league side. 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 after former boss Shaun Wane resigned in January following England’s disappointing 3‑0 defeat in the Ashes series. In his introductory remarks, McDermott expressed genuine enthusiasm for the challenge: “I’m 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.” He added that his hands‑on approach and attention to detail would be central to his leadership style. “I’ll be working to set the right standards, build belief within the group, and ensure we’re ready when it matters most,” 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, with additional support from RFL executive director of performance and participation Marc Lovering. The panel evaluated a shortlist that also featured Sam Burgess, Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley.
Wood praised McDermott’s credentials, noting that he “emerged from an outstanding field of candidates.” Wood highlighted McDermott’s record as the most successful coach in Super League history, pointing to his ability to build cohesive, high‑performing squads. “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,” Wood said. He also emphasized the strategic advantage of McDermott’s current NRL involvement, which gives him daily insight into many of England’s future opponents, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League ensures the national side can draw on the best talent available.
McDermott’s résumé is impressive. He took over the Leeds Rhinos in 2011 and remained at the helm until 2018, leading the club to four Grand Final victories, including the celebrated 2015 treble‑winning campaign that featured legends such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire.
After leaving Leeds, he accepted the head‑coaching role at the Toronto Wolfpack, guiding the Canadian franchise to promotion into the Super League for the 2019 season. A brief stint with Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the world to the NRL, first as an assistant with the Newcastle Knights and later with the Gold Coast Titans, where he has been working alongside head coach Jim Lenihan. The RFL announced that McDermott will appoint his own coaching staff in due course, giving him the freedom to assemble a team that aligns with his vision.
The governing body also reiterated its commitment to supporting the new coach through the preparatory period leading up to the World Cup, which will be a key test of England’s ability to compete against the sport’s traditional powerhouses. Beyond the coaching appointment, the announcement touched on several broader rugby league developments. Sky Sports confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match this season, with two games each round shown live exclusively and the remaining five fixtures aired on the Sky Sports+ platform. The network also highlighted its continued coverage of the Bench podcast, hosted by Jenna and Jon, and reminded fans of the upcoming streaming options for the Super League, noting that there is currently no contractual obligation for a separate streaming service.
The timing of McDermott’s appointment is significant. England’s recent Ashes loss exposed deficiencies in squad cohesion and tactical execution, prompting a thorough review of the national program.
By selecting a coach with a proven track record of winning at the club level and experience in both the UK and Australian competitions, the RFL aims to bridge the gap between domestic success and international competitiveness. McDermott’s familiarity with the playing styles of NRL teams, combined with his deep ties to the Super League, positions him uniquely to craft game plans that can counter the physicality and speed of Southern Hemisphere opponents while capitalising on the creativity of English players.
Looking ahead, McDermott’s immediate priorities will include assessing the current player pool, establishing a clear playing philosophy, and organising a series of training camps and warm‑up fixtures to build chemistry ahead of the World Cup. He will also need to navigate the logistical challenges of assembling a squad drawn from clubs spread across three continents, ensuring that travel schedules, recovery protocols and tactical briefings are all meticulously planned. In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment signals a new chapter for England rugby league. With a decorated coaching pedigree, a hands‑on approach, and a strategic position within the NRL, he brings a blend of experience and fresh perspective that the RFL hopes will translate into a deep tournament run in 2026.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as McDermott sets his plans in motion, hoping that his leadership can restore England to the forefront of the global rugby league stage.