Brian McDermott, who previously steered the Leeds Rhinos to multiple championships, has been confirmed as 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 year. McDermott will take over the role from Shaun Wane, who resigned in January after England suffered a clean‑sheet 3‑0 defeat in the Ashes series. In a press release, McDermott expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge: "I am immensely proud to accept the position of England head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
My immediate priority is to build an environment where the players feel confident, 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, paying close attention to the finer details, and that approach will be vital in this role. My job now is to raise standards, instil belief across the squad, and ensure we are ready when the big moments arrive." The selection panel that chose McDermott consisted 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.
The RFL’s executive director of performance and participation, Marc Lovering, also provided input and support throughout the process. The RFL announced that McDermott will announce his back‑room staff in due course, allowing him time to assemble a team of assistants and specialists who can complement his vision.
Other high‑profile candidates who were interviewed for the job included former England captain Sam Burgess, experienced coach Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley. Chair Nigel Wood praised McDermott’s candidacy, stating that he "emerged from an outstanding field of candidates" and that the selection process was both comprehensive and thorough. Wood highlighted McDermott’s record, noting that he is "the most successful coach in Super League history". Under McDermott’s guidance, Leeds Rhinos captured four Grand Final titles, most notably the celebrated 2015 treble‑winning side that featured legends such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire.
This period, often referred to as the "golden generation", cemented McDermott’s reputation for building winning cultures and extracting peak performances from elite players. Beyond his domestic achievements, McDermott brings valuable international experience. He previously served as head coach of the Toronto Wolfpack, guiding the Canadian‑based club to promotion into the Super League in 2019.
After a brief stint with Featherstone Rovers, he moved to the Southern Hemisphere, where he has been an assistant coach in the National Rugby League (NRL) – first with the Newcastle Knights and most recently with the Gold Coast Titans. Wood argued that McDermott’s current role in the NRL provides him with day‑to‑day exposure to many of the teams England will face at the World Cup, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League ensures he can tap into the best talent and insights from the domestic competition. The appointment arrives at a time when the RFL is also enhancing the visibility of the sport.
Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two fixtures each round shown exclusively on its main channel and the remaining five matches streamed via its digital platforms. The increased coverage is expected to boost fan engagement and provide a larger platform for England’s players to showcase their skills ahead of the World Cup. McDermott’s tenure with Leeds began in 2011 and lasted until 2018, a period marked by consistent success and a reputation for nurturing a strong, resilient squad. After leaving Leeds, his move to Toronto Wolfpack demonstrated his ability to adapt to different environments and achieve promotion against the odds.
His subsequent experiences in the NRL have broadened his tactical repertoire, exposing him to the fast‑paced, high‑intensity style of Australian rugby league, which many analysts believe will be invaluable when preparing England for competition down under. Looking forward, McDermott has outlined a clear set of objectives: establishing a high‑performance culture, fostering unity among players drawn from various clubs, and implementing a game plan that balances traditional English grit with the modern, expansive style seen in the NRL. He emphasized that his hands‑on approach will involve meticulous preparation, from analyzing opponent footage to fine‑tuning set‑piece execution. By doing so, he aims to give England the best possible chance of not just competing but contending for the World Cup title.
In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment signals a new era for England rugby league. His proven track record in the Super League, successful stint with Toronto, and current immersion in the NRL position him uniquely to bridge the gap between domestic and international demands.
As the 2026 Rugby League World Cup approaches, England fans can anticipate a revitalised squad under a coach who blends experience, detail‑orientation, and a passion for national pride. The RFL, Sky Sports, and the broader rugby league community will be watching closely as McDermott assembles his staff, implements his vision, and leads the Three Lions onto the world stage.