Brian McDermott, who previously steered the Leeds Rhinos to multiple triumphs, has been confirmed 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 staged in Australia later this year. McDermott will take over the role from Shaun Wane, who resigned in January after England suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Ashes series. In a statement released by the Rugby Football League (RFL), McDermott expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge: "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 build an environment where our players can perform with confidence, wear the shirt with pride, and give themselves the best possible chance of progressing 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 role. My job now is to raise standards, instil belief in the squad, and ensure we are ready when it matters most." 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 chair Nigel Wood, with additional support from RFL executive director of performance and participation Marc Lovering. The panel evaluated a shortlist that also included Sam Burgess, Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley.
Wood praised McDermott’s credentials, noting that he "emerged from an outstanding field of candidates" and that the process was "comprehensive, thorough and the RFL is indebted to all those that assisted in the process." The RFL highlighted McDermott’s record as the most successful coach in Super League history. During his seven‑year spell at Leeds Rhinos (2011‑2018), he guided the club to four Grand Final victories, including the celebrated 2015 treble achieved by the so‑called "golden generation" featuring Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire.
After leaving Leeds, McDermott took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack, steering them to promotion to the Super League in 2019. A brief stint at Featherstone Rovers followed before he crossed the Atlantic to work in the NRL, first as an assistant with the Newcastle Knights and most recently with the Gold Coast Titans. The RFL believes McDermott’s current involvement in the NRL will provide a strategic advantage. Being based in Australia gives him daily exposure to many of the teams England is likely to face at the World Cup, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League ensures he can tap into the best talent and insights from the domestic competition.
The statement added that McDermott will appoint his own coaching staff "in due course," signalling that the backroom team will be assembled shortly after his appointment. Beyond the headline appointment, the announcement coincided with several other developments in English rugby league. Sky Sports confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, offering two exclusive live fixtures per round and covering the remaining five games each week on its primary channel.
The broadcaster also highlighted its continued partnership with the league, promising comprehensive coverage of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the tournament itself. Fans can also look forward to a range of related content, including the "Bench" podcast hosted by Jenna and Jon, which will feature in‑depth analysis and interviews with key figures from the sport.
Meanwhile, the league’s streaming service will continue to provide live Super League action without the need for a traditional contract, giving supporters flexible viewing options. As England prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the focus will shift to building a cohesive squad capable of competing against the best teams in the world. McDermott’s experience in both the Super League and the NRL positions him uniquely to bridge the gap between club and international rugby league, fostering a culture of professionalism and high performance. His track record of developing talent, managing elite players and delivering results under pressure will be put to the test as he seeks to restore England to the pinnacle of the sport.
The upcoming months will see McDermott and his newly formed coaching team evaluate the current player pool, identify emerging stars, and design training programmes that balance physical preparation with tactical sophistication. The goal, as McDermott has repeatedly emphasized, is to create an environment where each player feels confident, proud and ready to give their all on the world stage. With the World Cup fast approaching, expectations are high, but the appointment of a coach with McDermott’s pedigree offers a clear signal that England is serious about reclaiming its status as a rugby league powerhouse. The journey to the tournament will be closely watched by supporters, pundits and rival nations alike, all eager to see whether the new England side can translate McDermott’s domestic success into international glory.