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. The appointment comes as England prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be staged in Australia later this decade. 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 clean‑sheet 3‑0 defeat in the Ashes series.
In his first public remarks, McDermlett expressed his enthusiasm: "I am extremely proud to accept the position of England head coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. My immediate priority is to foster an environment where every player feels confident, wears the England shirt with pride, and has the best possible chance of progressing deep into the tournament.
I have always been a hands‑on coach, paying close attention to the finer details, and that approach will be essential in this job. My task now is to set the right standards, build belief within the squad, and ensure we are prepared when the stakes are highest." 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, with additional support from RFL executive director of performance and participation Marc Lovering. In a formal RFL statement, the league confirmed that McDermott will announce his backroom staff "in due course".
Other candidates who were interviewed for the vacancy 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 recruitment process was "comprehensive and thorough" and thanked everyone who contributed. Wood highlighted McDermott’s résumé, calling him "the most successful coach in Super League history".
He pointed out that McDermott has a proven record of constructing high‑performing squads and that his previous stint as an international coach shows he understands the unique challenges of melding players from different clubs into a cohesive national side. Wood also noted that McDermott’s current role in the NRL gives him daily exposure to many of the teams England will face in the upcoming World Cup, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League ensures he can tap into the best talent and resources for England. McDermott’s achievements in the Super League are indeed remarkable. While 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 famed "golden generation" of Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire.
After leaving Leeds, he took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack and guided them to promotion to the Super League in 2019. A short spell at Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the Tasman Sea to join the NRL, first as an assistant with the Newcastle Knights and later with the Gold Coast Titans, where he has been working under head coach Jason Demetriou.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for English rugby league. The national side has struggled to translate domestic dominance into consistent international success, and the recent Ashes loss underscored the need for a fresh strategic direction. McDermott’s blend of Super League pedigree and NRL experience positions him uniquely to bridge the gap between the two hemispheres, offering insights into Australian playing styles while maintaining a deep understanding of the English game. Beyond the coaching staff, the RFL is also looking to enhance the visibility of the sport.
Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two games per round shown exclusively on the platform and the remaining fixtures streamed via the Sky Sports+ service. This expanded coverage aims to grow the fan base, provide greater exposure for players, and generate additional revenue that can be reinvested into grassroots development and elite pathways. In addition to the televised matches, fans can stay up‑to‑date through various digital channels, including the "Bench" podcast hosted by Jenna and Jon, which offers analysis, interviews and behind‑the‑scenes commentary on the latest rugby league news. The RFL also continues to promote streaming options for the Super League, allowing supporters without a traditional TV contract to watch games online.
Looking ahead, McDermott’s first major task will be to assemble a coaching team that can complement his vision and bring specialist expertise in areas such as defence, attack, conditioning and skills development. He will also need to evaluate the current player pool, identify emerging talent from the Super League and Championship, and develop a clear game plan that balances England’s traditional forward‑driven power with the faster, more expansive style that has become common in the NRL.
The 2026 World Cup will be a true test of McDermott’s ability to unify players from rival clubs, manage the logistical challenges of an overseas tournament, and compete against the sport’s powerhouses – Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific nations. Success will depend not only on tactical acumen but also on fostering a strong team culture, instilling confidence, and ensuring that each player understands their role within a cohesive system. In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment signals a new era for England rugby league. With a track record of winning at the highest domestic level, experience coaching in both the UK and Australia, and a reputation for meticulous preparation, he is well‑placed to guide the Three Lions toward a more competitive stance on the world stage.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on McDermott’s preparations, the composition of his backroom staff, and the performance of the England squad under his leadership.