Brian McDermott, who previously guided the Leeds Rhinos to multiple championships, has been named the new head coach of England’s rugby league side. The appointment comes as the national team prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be staged in Australia later this season. McDermott, currently serving as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, steps into the role after former coach Shaun Wane resigned in January following England’s clean‑sheet defeat (3‑0) in the Ashes series.
In his first public remarks, McDermott expressed both humility and determination: “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. 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.” The selection panel that chose McDermott comprised 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.
Marc Lovering, the RFL’s executive director of performance and participation, also provided input and support throughout the process. The panel evaluated a shortlist that included Sam Burgess, Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley. After a thorough and comprehensive assessment, Wood said McDermott “emerged from an outstanding field of candidates.” The RFL’s official statement noted that McDermott will announce his coaching staff “in due course,” signalling that the backroom team will be assembled shortly after his appointment. The governing body praised McDermott’s track record, describing him as “the most successful coach in Super League history.” His résumé includes leading the Leeds Rhinos to four Grand Final victories, most notably the celebrated ‘golden generation’ treble in 2015, which featured icons such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire.
McDermott’s coaching journey began at the Rhinos in 2011, where he remained until 2018. He then took the helm of the Toronto Wolfpack, guiding the Canadian‑based side to promotion into the Super League for the 2019 season.
A brief stint with Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the Tasman Sea to join the NRL. In Australia, he has served as an assistant coach first with the Newcastle Knights and most recently with the Gold Coast Titans, giving him daily exposure to many of the players and tactics that England will encounter at the World Cup. The RFL highlighted several reasons why McDermott’s experience makes him an ideal candidate for the international job. His success at club level demonstrates an ability to build cohesive, high‑performing squads, while his previous work as an international coach shows he understands the unique challenges of melding talent from different clubs into a single national unit.
Moreover, his current role in the NRL provides him with first‑hand insight into the playing styles and strategies of several of England’s likely opponents, and his extensive network within the Betfred Super League ensures he can tap into the best resources and information to prepare the squad. Beyond the appointment, the announcement also touched on broader rugby league broadcasting arrangements.
Sky Sports confirmed that it will continue to broadcast every Super League match live throughout the season, offering two exclusive live fixtures each round and airing the remaining five games each week on its main channel. This commitment underscores the sport’s growing visibility in the UK and provides fans with ample opportunity to follow both domestic and international action as England gears up for the World Cup. Looking ahead, McDermott faces several key tasks.
First, he must assemble a coaching team that complements his own strengths and addresses any gaps in expertise, from defensive structures to attacking creativity. Second, he will need to evaluate the current player pool, identify emerging talent, and blend seasoned veterans with younger prospects to create a balanced squad capable of adapting to the varied conditions they will encounter in Australia.
Third, establishing a clear game plan that leverages England’s traditional strengths—powerful forward play, disciplined defense, and opportunistic kicking—while integrating modern, fast‑paced attacking concepts will be essential. The new head coach also inherits a national side eager to restore its reputation after the recent Ashes disappointment. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how quickly McDermott can instill confidence, improve standards, and foster a winning mentality. His hands‑on approach, combined with his reputation for meticulous preparation, suggests he will be deeply involved in everything from training drills to video analysis, ensuring that every player understands their role and the collective objectives.
In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment marks a significant shift for England rugby league. With a proven record of success in the Super League, experience in the NRL, and a clear vision for building a confident, cohesive team, he is poised to lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup with renewed optimism.
As the RFL finalises his support staff and the squad takes shape, the rugby league community will be keen to see how his leadership translates into performance on the world stage.