Brian McDermott, who previously guided 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 country prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be staged in Australia later this season.
The decision follows the departure of former England boss Shaun Wane, who resigned in January after the side suffered a clean 3-0 defeat in the Ashes series. McDermott, who is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, steps into the role with a clear mandate: to build a competitive, confident squad capable of making a deep run in the upcoming World Cup. Speaking at a press conference, McDermott expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge. "I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of England head coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup," he said.
"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." He added that his coaching philosophy is rooted in hands‑on involvement and attention to detail. "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," McDermott explained. The selection panel that chose McDermott was composed of former player Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed Rugby Football League (RFL) non‑executive director Sara Symington, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku and RFL chair Nigel Wood, with executive director of performance and participation Marc Lovering providing additional support.
Their consensus was that McDermott stood out among a strong field of candidates, which also included former England greats Sam Burgess and Steve McNamara, as well as seasoned coaches Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley. In a statement, the RFL confirmed that McDermott will assemble his own coaching staff in due course.
Wood praised the thoroughness of the recruitment process, noting that the RFL was grateful to everyone who contributed. "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," Wood said. Wood also highlighted the strategic advantage of McDermott’s current NRL role.
"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," he added. McDermott’s résumé is impressive. He is widely regarded as the most successful coach in Super League history, having led the Leeds Rhinos to four Grand Final victories, including the celebrated 2015 treble—a season in which the Rhinos captured the Super League title, the Challenge Cup and the World Club Challenge.
That squad, often referred to as the "golden generation," featured legends such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire. His tenure at Leeds began in 2011 and lasted until 2018.
After leaving the Rhinos, McDermott took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack, steering the Canadian‑based side to promotion to the Super League in 2019. A short stint with Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the hemisphere to join the NRL.
In Australia, he has served as an assistant coach for the Newcastle Knights and, most recently, the Gold Coast Titans. The appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for English rugby league. The national team will be looking to rebound from the recent Ashes disappointment and to re‑establish itself as a genuine contender on the world stage.
With the World Cup looming, McDermott’s experience in both the UK and Australian competitions is expected to provide a valuable blend of tactical insight and player management. Fans can also look forward to extensive coverage of the upcoming season on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every Super League match live.
The broadcaster has confirmed that two fixtures each round will be shown exclusively live, while the remaining five games will be aired on the main Sky Sports channels, ensuring that supporters can follow the league’s progress and keep tabs on the form of England’s potential World Cup players. In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment signals a fresh direction for England rugby league. His proven track record of winning titles, his familiarity with both Super League and NRL environments, and his reputation for meticulous preparation position him well to guide the Three Lions toward a successful World Cup campaign. The RFL and the broader rugby league community will now watch closely as McDermott assembles his staff, implements his vision, and strives to restore England to the upper echelons of the sport.