Former Leeds Rhinos boss Brian McDermott has been named 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 season.
McDermott, who is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, steps into the role after Shaun Wane resigned in January following England’s clean‑sheet defeat in the Ashes series. In his introductory remarks, McDermato 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, wear 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 are ready when it matters." The selection panel that chose McDermott was chaired by RFL chair Nigel Wood and included former England captain Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed RFL non‑executive director Sara Symington, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku and performance director Marc Lovering, who also provided advisory support.
The panel evaluated a shortlist that featured former England great Sam Burgess, seasoned coach Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley. Wood praised McDermott’s candidacy, stating that he "emerged from an outstanding field of candidates" and that the process was "comprehensive, thorough and the RFL is indebted to all those that assisted in the process." The RFL issued a statement indicating that McDermott will appoint his own backroom staff in due course, giving him the freedom to assemble a team that reflects his philosophy and the specific demands of international competition. McDermott’s résumé makes him a logical choice for the job.
He is widely regarded as the most successful coach in Super League history, having guided the Leeds Rhinos to four Grand Final victories. His tenure at Leeds included the celebrated 2015 treble‑winning season, a campaign that featured the likes of Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire and cemented the side’s reputation as the "golden generation" of the sport. He took charge of the Rhinos in 2011 and remained at the helm until 2018, when he left to pursue new challenges abroad.
After departing Leeds, McDermott accepted the head coaching position at the Toronto Wolfpack, a trans‑Atlantic franchise that was competing in the English lower divisions at the time. Under his guidance, the Wolfpack secured promotion to the Super League for the 2019 season, marking a historic milestone for the club and for North American rugby league. Following a brief stint with Featherstone Rovers, McDermott crossed the Pacific to join the NRL, first as an assistant with the Newcastle Knights and later with the Gold Coast Titans, where he has been working closely with Australian talent and gaining insight into the playing styles of many of England’s future World Cup opponents.
The RFL highlighted these international experiences as a key advantage. By being embedded in the NRL, McDermott enjoys day‑to‑day visibility of the Australian and New Zealand teams that England will likely face in the 2026 tournament. At the same time, his extensive network within the Betfred Super League ensures he can tap into the best domestic players, coordinate with club coaches and create a cohesive squad despite the logistical challenges of pulling together athletes from rival clubs. Beyond the tactical and strategic aspects, McDermott’s appointment signals a renewed emphasis on culture and player development.
He has spoken about fostering an environment where confidence is paramount, where every player feels empowered to express themselves on the field, and where the collective pride of representing England is a driving force. This cultural blueprint aligns with the RFL’s broader objectives of growing the sport’s profile, improving performance standards and delivering a compelling product for fans both at home and abroad.
Fans can look forward to extensive coverage of the upcoming Super League season on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every match live, including two exclusive live fixtures each round and additional games shown throughout the week. The increased visibility is expected to boost interest ahead of the World Cup and provide a platform for McDermott to assess talent in real‑time. In summary, Brian McDermott steps into the England head‑coach role with a distinguished track record, a deep understanding of both the English and Australian games, and a clear vision for building a confident, cohesive and competitive squad.
His appointment follows a thorough selection process, and he now faces the task of assembling his coaching team, implementing his standards and preparing the national side for what promises to be an exciting and challenging World Cup campaign in 2026.