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 team. The appointment comes as the governing body prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be staged in Australia later this year. McDermott steps into the role after serving as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, succeeding Shaun Wane, who resigned in January following England’s disappointing 3‑0 defeat in the Ashes series.
In his first public remarks, McDermlett expressed a deep sense of pride and responsibility: "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've 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." These comments underline his intention to foster a culture of confidence, meticulous preparation, and collective belief within the squad. The selection panel that chose McDermott comprised former player Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed RFL non‑executive director Sara Symington, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku, and RFL chair Nigel Wood, with additional support from Marc Lovering, the league’s executive director of performance and participation. Their decision was described as thorough and exhaustive, with Wood noting that McDermott "emerged from an outstanding field of candidates".
Other notable candidates who were interviewed for the position included former England captain Sam Burgess, experienced coach Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur, and Paul Rowley. After reviewing the applications, the panel concluded that McDermott’s record made him the most suitable choice. Wood praised his achievements, stating, "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.
By working currently in the NRL, Brian will have day‑to‑day visibility of many of the opponents the England team will be up against, while he also has a great network around the Betfred Super League clubs to ensure that the England team have the best possible chances of success." McDermott’s résumé is indeed impressive. During his tenure at Leeds Rhinos from 2011 to 2018, he oversaw four Grand Final victories, including the celebrated 2015 treble‑winning season that featured the likes of Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow, and Danny McGuire – a team often referred to as the "golden generation" of the club.
After leaving Leeds, he took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack, guiding them to promotion into the Super League in 2019. A short stint with Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the Tasman Sea to work in the Australian National Rugby League (NRL). In the NRL, he first served as an assistant coach with the Newcastle Knights and later with the Gold Coast Titans, where he gained valuable insight into the playing styles and tactical approaches of many of England’s future World Cup opponents. The RFL announced that McDermott will appoint his own coaching staff in due course, allowing him to assemble a team that aligns with his philosophy and the strategic goals set for the national side.
This flexibility is expected to help him tailor the support structure around the players, ensuring that both technical skills and mental preparation are addressed. Beyond the appointment itself, the announcement coincided with several updates for rugby league fans in the United Kingdom. Sky Sports confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live throughout the season, with two fixtures each round shown exclusively on the platform and the remaining five matches available via the Sky Sports+ streaming service.
This comprehensive coverage aims to keep supporters engaged and informed as the domestic competition builds momentum toward the international tournament. The news also highlighted other rugby league content available to viewers, such as the "Bench" podcast hosted by Jenna and Jon, and a reminder of the upcoming schedule for rugby league broadcasts on Sky Sports. These ancillary offerings provide fans with analysis, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes insights that complement the on‑field action.
Looking ahead, McDermott faces the challenge of uniting a squad drawn from a variety of clubs across the Super League and the NRL, each with its own playing style and culture. His experience in both the UK and Australian leagues positions him uniquely to bridge those differences, fostering a cohesive unit capable of competing against the world’s best.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will be a true test of his ability to translate domestic success into international triumph, and the RFL’s confidence in his leadership suggests a belief that England can once again become a dominant force on the global stage. In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment marks a new chapter for England rugby league. With a proven track record of winning championships, a deep understanding of both Super League and NRL environments, and a clear vision for building confidence and standards within the team, he is poised to steer the Three Lions toward a competitive showing at the 2026 World Cup.
The coming months will reveal how his strategies unfold, how the coaching staff is assembled, and how the players respond to his hands‑on, detail‑oriented approach. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely, hopeful that McDermott’s leadership will usher in a period of sustained success for England on the international stage.