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 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 3‑0 defeat in the Ashes series. In his first public remarks, McDermott said, “I am immensely proud to accept the England head‑coach position ahead of the 2026 World Cup. My priority now is to create an environment where every player can perform with confidence, wear the jersey with pride, and give themselves the best chance of progressing deep into the tournament.” He added that his hands‑on, detail‑oriented approach will be central to his tenure: “I have always been involved in the minutiae of preparation, and that will be vital in this role. My job is to raise standards, instill belief in the squad, and ensure we are ready when the big moments arrive.” 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 chair Nigel Wood, with additional support from Marc Lovering, the league’s executive director of performance and participation.
In a statement, the Rugby Football League (RFL) confirmed that McDermott will announce his coaching team “in due course.” Other candidates who were interviewed for the job included former England internationals Sam Burgess and Steve McNamara, as well as Super League coaches Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley. Chair Nigel Wood praised McDermott’s candidacy, saying he “emerged from an outstanding field of candidates.” Wood continued, “The selection process was comprehensive and thorough, and the RFL is grateful to everyone who contributed.” Wood highlighted McDermott’s credentials, noting that he is “the most successful coach in Super League history,” having built strong, winning sides and possessing valuable international experience.
“His current work in the NRL gives him daily insight into many of the teams England will face, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League ensures the national side will have the best possible support and information.” McDermott’s résumé is impressive. During his seven‑year spell at Leeds Rhinos from 2011 to 2018, he led the club to four Grand Final victories, including the celebrated 2015 treble‑winning campaign that featured the likes of Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire—a squad often referred to as the ‘golden generation.’ After leaving Leeds, he took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack and guided them to promotion into the Super League in 2019. A short stint with Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the world to the NRL, where he served as an assistant coach for the Newcastle Knights and later the Gold Coast Titans.
The appointment arrives at a time when Sky Sports has confirmed it will broadcast every Super League match live throughout the season, offering two exclusive live fixtures each round and covering the remaining five games each week on its main channel. This increased visibility is expected to boost the profile of the domestic competition and, by extension, the national team’s preparation for the World Cup. Looking ahead, McDermott faces the task of uniting players from a range of clubs across both the Super League and the NRL, forging a cohesive unit capable of competing against the world’s best.
His experience in managing diverse squads, coupled with his reputation for meticulous preparation, should serve England well as they aim to improve on past performances and chase a World Cup title. In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment marks a new chapter for England rugby league.
With a proven track record of success, a deep understanding of both the British and Australian games, and a clear vision for building confidence and high standards, he is poised to lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup with renewed ambition and a realistic chance of achieving a historic triumph.