Brian McDermott, who previously steered the Leeds Rhinos to multiple championships, has been named the new head coach of the England national rugby league team. The appointment comes as the Rugby Football League (RFL) prepares for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be hosted by Australia later this season.
McDermott will take over from Shaun Wane, who resigned in January after England suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Ashes series. In his first public remarks, McDermaton expressed enthusiasm for the challenge: "I am extremely proud to accept the role of England head coach ahead of the 2026 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, and that approach will be essential in this position.
My job now is to raise standards, instil belief throughout the squad, and ensure we are ready when it matters most." 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 throughout the process. The RFL confirmed in a statement that McDermott will announce his full coaching team "in due course". Other high‑profile candidates who were interviewed for the job included former England captain Sam Burgess, former Great Britain coach Steve McNamara, seasoned Super League coach Brad Arthur, and former England assistant Paul Rowley. Wood praised McDermott, noting that he "emerged from an outstanding field of candidates" and that the selection procedure was "comprehensive and thorough".
Wood highlighted McDermott's credentials, describing him as "the most successful coach in Super League history". He pointed to McDermott’s record of building strong, cohesive squads and his previous experience on the international stage, which demonstrates his ability to unite players from different clubs under a single national banner.
Wood also noted that McDermott's current role in the NRL gives him daily exposure to many of the teams England will face at the World Cup, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League will help ensure England has access to the best talent and resources. McDermott’s résumé is impressive. During his tenure at Leeds Rhinos from 2011 to 2018, he guided the club to four Grand Final victories, including the celebrated "golden generation" treble in 2015, which featured legends such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow, and Danny McGuire.
After leaving Leeds, he took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack, leading them to promotion into the Super League in 2019. A brief stint with Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the hemisphere to join the NRL. In Australia, he served as an assistant coach with the Newcastle Knights and later with the Gold Coast Titans, where he currently works under head coach Jim Lenihan.
The appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for English rugby league. The national side is looking to rebuild after a disappointing Ashes campaign and to mount a serious challenge at the 2026 World Cup. McDermott’s blend of Super League success, experience in the NRL, and familiarity with the international game positions him as a strong candidate to revitalize England’s playing style, improve defensive structures, and develop a more expansive attacking approach.
Off the field, the RFL has also announced that Sky Sports will continue its comprehensive coverage of the Super League this season, broadcasting every match live. Two games per round will be shown exclusively live, while the remaining five fixtures each week will be available on the Sky Sports+ streaming platform.
This expanded coverage is expected to raise the profile of the domestic competition, provide more exposure for emerging English talent, and give fans greater access to the sport ahead of the World Cup. In summary, Brian McDermott steps into the England head‑coach role with a distinguished track record, a clear vision for player development, and a commitment to building a winning culture.
His appointment reflects the RFL’s ambition to field a competitive side on the world stage, and his upcoming decisions regarding the coaching staff, training programmes, and squad selection will be closely watched by supporters and pundits alike as England prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia.