Brian McDermott, the former head coach of the Leeds Rhinos, has been confirmed as the new head coach of the England national rugby league side. He will take charge of the national team as they prepare 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 3‑0 defeat in the Ashes series. In his first public remarks, McDermlett expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, saying, “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of England head coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. My focus now is on creating an environment where players can perform with confidence, wear the shirt with pride, and give themselves the best chance of going deep into the tournament.” He added that his hands‑on approach and attention to detail would be essential, noting, “My job now is to get the standards right, build belief in the group, and make sure we’re ready when it matters.” The selection panel that chose McDermott consisted of former England captain Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed 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.
The panel evaluated a number of high‑profile candidates, including former England great Sam Burgess, former Great Britain coach Steve McNamara, seasoned Super League coach Brad Arthur, and former Leeds assistant Paul Rowley. Wood praised McDermott’s credentials, stating that he “emerged from an outstanding field of candidates.” In a detailed statement, the Rugby Football League highlighted McDermott’s record as the most successful coach in Super League history. During his tenure at Leeds, he guided the club to four Grand Final victories, most notably the historic treble‑winning side of 2015, often referred to as the ‘golden generation’, which featured stars such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire. The RFL noted that McDermott’s experience as an international coach and his current involvement in the NRL give him a unique perspective on the challenges of assembling a squad from clubs across both hemispheres.
“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,” the RFL statement read. The governing body also emphasized that McDermott will appoint his own coaching staff in due course, allowing him to build a team that reflects his philosophy and the needs of the national side. McDermott’s coaching journey began in earnest when he took over the Leeds Rhinos in 2011.
Over the next seven seasons he transformed the club into a dominant force, culminating in the 2015 treble (Super League, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge). After leaving Leeds in 2018, he accepted the role of head coach for the Toronto Wolfpack, guiding the Canadian‑based franchise to promotion to Super League in 2019. A brief stint with Featherstone Rovers followed before McDermott crossed the world to join the NRL, first as an assistant with the Newcastle Knights and later with the Gold Coast Titans, where he has been instrumental in developing the team’s tactical structures and player development pathways.
The appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for English rugby league. The national team’s recent Ashes defeat exposed shortcomings in preparation and squad cohesion, prompting calls for a fresh direction. McDermott’s proven ability to build winning cultures, combined with his intimate knowledge of both the Super League and NRL environments, positions him as a strong candidate to restore England’s competitive edge on the world stage.
Fans can look forward to comprehensive coverage of the upcoming Super League season on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every match live, including two exclusive fixtures each round and additional games across the week on Sky Sports+. The increased exposure is expected to raise the profile of the sport and provide a broader platform for players to showcase the skills that McDermott will later seek to harness for the national side. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, McDermott’s immediate priorities will include assessing the current player pool, establishing a clear playing philosophy, and fostering a culture of confidence and pride.
By leveraging his extensive coaching résumé, his network within both the Betfred Super League and the NRL, and his reputation for meticulous preparation, McDermott aims to guide England back to the forefront of international rugby league and to deliver a deep tournament run that will satisfy both supporters and stakeholders alike.