Brian McDermott, who previously steered the Leeds Rhinos to multiple championships, has been named the new head coach of the England national rugby league team. His appointment comes as the Rugby Football League (RFL) 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 expressed his enthusiasm: "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." 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 RFL’s executive director of performance and participation. In a statement, the RFL confirmed that McDermott will announce his coaching staff "in due course." Other candidates who were interviewed for the position included former England players Sam Burgess and Steve McNamara, as well as seasoned coaches Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley.
Wood praised McDermott’s candidacy, noting that he "emerged from an outstanding field of candidates" and that the selection process was "comprehensive, thorough and the RFL is indebted to all those that assisted in the process." Wood highlighted McDermott’s credentials, describing him as "the most successful coach in Super League history". During his tenure at Leeds Rhinos, McDermott guided the club to four Grand Final victories, most notably the historic treble‑winning side of 2015 that featured legends such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire.
His ability to mould elite squads and his prior experience as an international coach were cited as key factors demonstrating his capacity to manage the unique challenges of uniting players from different clubs under a single national banner. Working currently in the NRL provides McDermott with a daily view of many of England’s future opponents, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League ensures he can draw on the best talent and insights to give England a competitive edge. The RFL believes this blend of domestic success and overseas exposure positions McDermott perfectly to lead the team into the 2026 World Cup.
McDermott’s coaching journey began with the Leeds Rhinos in 2011, a role he held until 2018. He then took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack, guiding them to promotion into the Super League in 2019.
After a short stint with Featherstone Rovers, he moved to Australia, where he served as an assistant coach for the Newcastle Knights before joining the Gold Coast Titans. This varied experience across the UK, Canada, and Australia has given him a broad perspective on the game’s tactical evolution and player development pathways. The appointment arrives at a time when rugby league’s visibility on television is expanding. Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, including two exclusive live fixtures each round, with the remaining five games shown on Sky Sports+.
Fans can also follow the sport through the "Bench" podcast hosted by Jenna and Jon, and stay updated with the latest news on the league’s official platforms. Looking ahead, McDermott’s immediate priorities will involve assessing the current squad, establishing his coaching philosophy, and setting performance standards that align with the expectations of the England fan base.
He will need to balance the integration of seasoned internationals with emerging talent, ensuring that the team possesses both experience and dynamism. The upcoming World Cup will test England’s ability to adapt to different playing styles, as the tournament will feature strong Southern Hemisphere teams such as Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, all of which McDermott has encountered regularly in his NRL role.
His familiarity with these opponents could prove invaluable in devising game plans and scouting reports. In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment marks a new chapter for England rugby league. With a proven track record of winning at club level, a deep understanding of international competition, and a fresh perspective gained from his time in the NRL, he is poised to rebuild the national side, instill confidence in the players, and aim for a deep run at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The RFL and England supporters alike will be watching closely as McDermott assembles his staff, refines the squad, and prepares the team to wear the England shirt with pride on the world stage.