Brian McDermott, who previously guided the Leeds Rhinos to multiple titles, 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, 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, McDermett expressed both pride and determination: "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. 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 intent to foster a culture of confidence, high standards and collective belief, while also emphasizing his reputation for meticulous preparation. The selection panel that chose McDermott consisted of former England captain Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed RFL non‑executive director Sara Symington, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku and RFL chairman Nigel Wood, with additional support from Marc Lovering, the RFL’s executive director of performance and participation.
Their decision was described as the result of a comprehensive and thorough process. Wood noted that McDermott "emerged from an outstanding field of candidates" and praised his track record as the most successful coach in Super League history.
The panel also considered other high‑profile applicants such as former England captain Sam Burgess, former Great Britain coach Steve McNamara, Penrith Panthers head coach Brad Arthur and former Leeds assistant Paul Rowley. The RFL issued a statement confirming that McDermott will appoint his own coaching staff in due course, signalling that the new regime will have the freedom to build a team around his vision. The statement highlighted McDermott’s ability to unite players from different clubs, a skill honed during his previous stints as an international coach. His experience in the NRL also gives him daily exposure to many of the opponents England will face in the upcoming World Cup, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League will help ensure that the national side has access to the best talent and resources.
McDermott’s résumé reads like a tour of modern rugby league success. He took over the Leeds Rhinos in 2011 and remained at the helm until 2018, guiding the club to four Grand Final victories. Most notably, he oversaw the famed "golden generation" of 2015, when Leeds completed a historic treble – winning the Super League Grand Final, the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders' Shield – with a squad that featured legends such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire. After leaving Leeds, McDermott accepted the challenge of building a new franchise, Toronto Wolfpack, and led them to promotion into the Super League for the 2019 season.
Following a brief spell as head coach of Featherstone Rovers, McDermott crossed the Atlantic to join the NRL, first as an assistant with the Newcastle Knights and later with the Gold Coast Titans. His time in Australia has given him insight into the playing styles, tactical innovations and conditioning standards of the Southern Hemisphere, knowledge that will be invaluable when England meets the likes of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in the World Cup. The appointment arrives at a time when Sky Sports has reaffirmed its commitment to broadcasting every Super League match live throughout the season, including two exclusive live fixtures each round and additional coverage of five matches per week on the Sky Sports+ platform.
This increased exposure is expected to raise the profile of the domestic competition and, by extension, provide a larger pool of players accustomed to high‑pressure televised environments – an asset for the national team under McDermott’s guidance. Looking ahead, McDermott’s immediate priorities will include assessing the current player pool, establishing a coaching team, and implementing a preparation schedule that balances club commitments with national duties. He will also need to address the psychological aftermath of the Ashes loss, rebuilding confidence among the squad while integrating fresh talent from the Super League and NRL.
The RFL’s confidence in his ability to navigate these challenges reflects his reputation for meticulous planning, player development and a winning mentality. In summary, Brian McDermott steps into the England head coach role with a distinguished record of domestic triumphs, international experience, and a clear vision for building a resilient, confident side capable of competing at the highest level. His appointment signals a fresh chapter for England rugby league as the nation sets its sights on a deep World Cup run, hoping to translate his proven success at club level into international glory.