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. His appointment comes as the England side prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia later this year. McDermott, currently serving as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, will succeed Shaun Wane, who resigned in January after England suffered a 3‑0 defeat in the Ashes series.
In his first public comments, McDermlett expressed enthusiasm for the challenge: "I am immensely proud to accept the role of England head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup. My priority now is to create an environment where the players can perform with confidence, wear the England jersey with pride, and give themselves the best possible chance of progressing deep into the tournament.
I have always been a hands‑on coach, attentive to detail, and that will be essential in this position. My job is to set the right standards, build belief within the group, and ensure we are ready when it matters most." The selection panel that chose McDermott consisted of former England captain Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed Rugby Football League (RFL) non‑executive director Sara Symington, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku, and RFL chair Nigel Wood. RFL executive director of performance and participation Marc Lovering also provided input and support throughout the process.
In a formal RFL statement, the governing body confirmed that McDermott will announce his full coaching team "in due course". Other candidates who were interviewed for the role included former England captain Sam Burgess, experienced coach Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur, and Paul Rowley. Chair Nigel Wood praised McDermott’s credentials, noting that he "emerged from an outstanding field of candidates". Wood added that the selection process was "comprehensive and thorough" and that the RFL was grateful to everyone who contributed.
Wood highlighted McDermott’s record as the most successful coach in Super League history, pointing to his ability to build strong squads and his prior experience as an international coach. "His tenure in the NRL gives him day‑to‑day insight into many of the teams England will face, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League ensures the national side will have access to the best resources and talent," Wood said.
McDermott’s résumé is impressive. He led the Leeds Rhinos from 2011 to 2018, a period that produced four Grand Final victories, including the celebrated 2015 treble—league leaders, Challenge Cup winners, and Grand Final champions—featuring legends such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow, and Danny McGuire. After leaving Leeds, he took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack, steering the Canadian franchise to promotion into Super League in 2019.
A brief spell at Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the world to join the NRL. In Australia, he has served as an assistant coach with the Newcastle Knights and, more recently, with the Gold Coast Titans, gaining valuable experience against the sport’s top international opposition. The appointment arrives at a time when rugby league’s broadcast landscape is also evolving.
Sky Sports has confirmed that it will continue to broadcast every Super League match live throughout the season, with two fixtures per round shown exclusively on its main channel and the remaining five matches streamed via its digital platform. This increased visibility is expected to boost the profile of the sport ahead of the World Cup and provide fans with greater access to high‑quality rugby league content. Looking ahead, McDermott faces the task of melding players from various clubs into a cohesive national unit. The England squad will draw talent from the Betfred Super League, the NRL, and emerging players from the Championship and League One tiers.
Balancing the different playing styles, managing player workloads, and fostering a unified culture will be central to his mandate. Beyond the immediate World Cup preparation, McDermott has hinted at a longer‑term vision for England rugby league. He aims to develop a sustainable pathway that nurtures young talent, strengthens coaching standards at the grassroots level, and ensures that the national team remains competitive on the world stage for years to come.
By leveraging his extensive network across both hemispheres, he hopes to introduce innovative training methods, data‑driven performance analysis, and a culture of continuous improvement. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how McDermott translates his club‑level success to the international arena.
His hands‑on approach, attention to detail, and proven ability to win trophies suggest he possesses the ingredients needed to elevate England’s performance. The upcoming World Cup will serve as the first major test of his leadership, and the rugby league community is eager to see whether his strategic vision can bring the England jersey to the pinnacle of the sport once again.
In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment marks a new chapter for England rugby league. With a distinguished coaching pedigree, experience in both the Super League and NRL, and a clear commitment to building confidence and belief within the squad, he is poised to guide the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup with ambition and purpose.
The journey ahead promises excitement, challenges, and the potential for historic achievement.