Brian McDermott, who previously guided the Leeds Rhinos to multiple titles, has been confirmed as the new head coach of the England national rugby league side. His appointment comes as the country prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be staged in Australia later this year.
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 clean‑sheet defeat (3‑0) in the Ashes series. In his inaugural press conference, McDermidd expressed his enthusiasm: “I am immensely proud to accept the England head‑coach position ahead of the 2026 World Cup. My immediate priority is to build an environment where every player feels confident, wears the England jersey with pride and has the best possible chance of progressing deep into the tournament.” He continued, “I have always been a hands‑on coach, paying close attention to the finer details, and that approach will be vital in this job.
My task now is to raise standards, instil belief throughout the squad and ensure we are fully prepared when the stakes are highest.” The selection panel that chose McDermott comprised former player Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed RFL non‑executive director Sara Symington, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku and RFL chairman Nigel Wood, with additional support from Marc Lovering, the league’s executive director of performance and participation. The Rugby Football League (RFL) issued a statement confirming that McDermott will name his back‑room staff “in due course.” Other candidates who were interviewed for the position included former England captain Sam Burgess, former Great Britain coach Steve McNamara, former NRL coach Brad Arthur and former Super League stalwart Paul Rowley. Wood praised McDermott’s candidacy, noting that he “emerged from an outstanding field of candidates.” Wood added, “The selection process was exhaustive and thorough, and the RFL is grateful to everyone who contributed.
As the most successful coach in Super League history, Brian has repeatedly shown his ability to build winning teams. His prior experience as an international coach also demonstrates his understanding of the unique challenges involved in melding players from different clubs into a cohesive national side.” Wood further highlighted McDermott’s current NRL involvement, stating, “By working day‑to‑day in the NRL, Brian has direct exposure to many of the opponents England will face, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League ensures he can draw on the best resources to give England the greatest chance of success.” McDermott’s résumé is impressive.
At Leeds Rhinos, he oversaw a period now referred to as the ‘golden generation,’ guiding the club to four Grand Final victories, including a historic treble in 2015 that featured stars such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire. He took charge of the Rhinos in 2011 and remained until 2018, establishing himself as the most successful coach in Super League history. After leaving Leeds, McDermott accepted the head‑coaching role at the Toronto Wolfpack, where he steered the trans‑Atlantic side to promotion into Super League in 2019.
A brief stint with Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the Atlantic to the NRL, first as an assistant with the Newcastle Knights and later with the Gold Coast Titans, where he has been part of the coaching staff since 2022. The appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for English rugby league. The national team will compete in the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that promises to be fiercely contested, with Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific nations all fielding strong squads. McDermott’s experience in both the UK and Australian systems is expected to give England a tactical edge, particularly in understanding the playing styles and preparation methods of their likely opponents.
Off the field, the RFL has also announced its broadcast partnership with Sky Sports for the upcoming Super League season. Sky will air every match live, including two exclusive fixtures each round, while the remaining five games per week will be shown on the broader Sky Sports platform. This increased coverage is intended to raise the profile of the sport domestically and provide fans with greater access to high‑quality rugby league content.
In addition to the television schedule, the RFL continues to promote its digital offerings, such as the “Super League with no contract” streaming service, and the popular “Bench” podcast hosted by Jenna and Jon, which delivers analysis, interviews and behind‑the‑scenes insights into the sport. As McDermott settles into his new role, his immediate tasks will include assessing the current player pool, selecting a coaching team, and establishing a clear game plan for the World Cup campaign.
His hands‑on reputation suggests he will be heavily involved in player development, tactical preparation and fostering a culture of confidence and resilience within the squad. Supporters and pundits alike are eager to see how McDermott’s blend of Super League success and NRL exposure will translate to the international stage. If his past achievements are any indication, England could be poised to become a formidable contender for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup title.