Brian McDermott, who previously steered the Leeds Rhinos to multiple championships, has been announced as 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 hosted in Australia later this season.
McDermott steps into the role after serving as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, taking over from Shaun Wane, who resigned in January following England’s 3‑0 defeat in the Ashes series. In his first public remarks, McDermaton expressed both humility and determination: “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 is given the best possible chance to progress deep into the tournament.
I have always been a hands‑on coach, paying close attention to the details that matter, and that approach will be essential in this role. My job now is to set the standards, build belief within the squad, and ensure we are ready when it counts.” The selection panel that chose McDermott was chaired by RFL chair Nigel Wood and included former England captain Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed RFL non‑executive director Sara Symington, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku, and RFL executive director of performance and participation Marc Lovering, who also offered his support to the new coach. In a statement, the Rugby Football League (RFL) indicated that McDermott will name his own coaching staff in due course.
Other notable candidates who were interviewed for the job included former England captain Sam Burgess, experienced coach Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley. Wood praised McDermott’s candidacy, saying he “emerged from an outstanding field of candidates.” He added that the recruitment process was “comprehensive, thorough and the RFL is indebted to all those that assisted in the process.” Wood highlighted McDermott’s record as the most successful coach in Super League history, noting his ability to build winning teams and his prior experience at the international level, which equips him to manage a squad drawn from a variety of clubs. “Having worked in the NRL, Brian has day‑to‑day visibility of many of the opponents England will face, and his extensive network across the Betfred Super League clubs will help ensure the national side has every advantage possible,” Wood said.
McDermott’s résumé is impressive. He guided the Leeds Rhinos from 2011 to 2018, leading them to four Grand Final victories, including the celebrated 2015 treble‑winning campaign that featured the legendary ‘golden generation’ of Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire. After leaving Leeds, he took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack, steering the Canadian‑based club to promotion into the Super League in 2019.
A brief spell at Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the Tasman to join the NRL, first as an assistant with the Newcastle Knights and most recently with the Gold Coast Titans. The appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for English rugby league.
The national team will be looking to rebuild after the Ashes loss and to present a stronger, more cohesive unit on the world stage. McDermott’s blend of Super League success, international experience, and current involvement in the NRL positions him uniquely to bridge the gap between domestic and overseas competition, offering insight into the playing styles and tactics of England’s future opponents. Beyond the coaching change, the broader rugby league landscape continues to evolve.
Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, with two fixtures per round shown exclusively on the platform and the remaining five matches aired on Sky Sports+. This increased coverage aims to boost the sport’s profile and provide fans with more consistent access to high‑quality rugby league content. In addition to the televised matches, fans can follow the sport through various digital avenues, including the “Bench” podcast hosted by Jenna and Jon, which offers analysis, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes commentary.
The Rugby Football League also maintains an up‑to‑date schedule of when rugby league is on Sky Sports, ensuring supporters never miss a game. Overall, Brian McDermott’s appointment signals a fresh start for England’s national side.
With his proven track record of developing winning cultures, meticulous attention to detail, and a clear vision for nurturing player confidence, he is poised to guide the Three Lions toward a more competitive showing at the 2026 World Cup. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how quickly he can assemble his staff, implement his game plan, and inspire a squad eager to reclaim its place among the sport’s elite.