Brian McDermott, who previously guided the Leeds Rhinos to multiple championships, has been named the new head coach of the England national rugby league team. His appointment comes as England prepares for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, which will be staged in Australia later this season. The former Leeds Rhinos boss, now serving as an assistant coach with the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL, steps into the role vacated by Shaun Wane. Wane resigned in January after England suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Ashes series.
McDermott expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge, stating, "I am immensely proud to accept the position 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 jersey with pride, and has the best possible opportunity to progress deep into the tournament." He added, "I have always been a hands‑on coach, paying close attention to detail, and that approach will be vital in this role. My job now is to raise the standards, instill belief throughout the squad, and ensure we are fully prepared when the crucial moments arrive." McDermott’s selection was made by a panel that included former player Kevin Sinfield, newly appointed Rugby Football League (RFL) non‑executive director Sara Symington, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku, and RFL chair Nigel Wood.
The RFL’s executive director of performance and participation, Marc Lovering, also provided support for the decision. In a formal RFL statement, the governing body noted that McDermott will announce his coaching staff "in due course". Other candidates who were interviewed for the post included Sam Burgess, Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur and Paul Rowley. Wood praised McDermott’s credentials, saying he "stood out from an outstanding field of candidates".
"The selection process was exhaustive and thorough, and the RFL is grateful to everyone who contributed," Wood continued. "As the most successful coach in Super League history, Brian has repeatedly shown his ability to build winning teams. His previous experience as an international coach demonstrates his understanding of the unique challenges involved in bringing together players from different clubs for a national side." Wood also highlighted McDermott’s current position in the NRL, noting that it gives him daily exposure to many of England’s future opponents, while his extensive network across the Betfred Super League will help ensure that the England squad receives the best possible preparation and support.
McDermott’s résumé is impressive. During his tenure at Leeds Rhinos from 2011 to 2018, he led the club to four Grand Final victories, including the celebrated 2015 treble‑winning season that featured stars such as Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire. After leaving Leeds, he took charge of the Toronto Wolfpack, steering them to promotion into the Super League in 2019. A short stint at Featherstone Rovers followed before he moved to Australia, where he has served as an assistant coach for the Newcastle Knights and, most recently, the Gold Coast Titans.
The appointment arrives at a time when rugby league’s visibility in the UK is set to increase. Sky Sports has confirmed that it will broadcast every Super League match live this season, offering two exclusive live fixtures each round and covering the remaining five games each week on its main channel. The broadcaster also plans extensive coverage of the upcoming World Cup, ensuring that fans can follow England’s campaign from start to finish. Looking ahead, McDermott faces the task of shaping a squad capable of competing against the world’s best.
England will need to blend seasoned veterans with emerging talent, manage player workloads across club and country commitments, and develop a game plan that can adapt to the fast‑paced, physically demanding nature of international rugby league. McDermott’s reputation for meticulous preparation and his hands‑on coaching style suggest he is well‑equipped to meet these challenges. Beyond tactics, McDermott has emphasized the importance of culture.
He wants to create a setting where players feel empowered to express themselves on the field, where confidence is nurtured, and where the pride of wearing the England jersey translates into performance. By fostering belief and cohesion, he hopes to guide the team beyond the early stages of the World Cup and into the latter rounds, where the competition intensifies.
The RFL’s confidence in McDermott is reflected in the strong support network surrounding his appointment. The selection panel, comprising former players and senior administrators, underscores a collaborative approach to leadership. Moreover, McDermott’s connections within both the Super League and the NRL provide a unique perspective that could prove advantageous when scouting opponents and preparing game plans.
In summary, Brian McDermott’s appointment as England head coach marks a new chapter for the national side as it gears up for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. With a proven track record of success at club level, experience in international coaching, and a hands‑on, detail‑focused methodology, McDermott is poised to build a competitive, confident, and cohesive England squad. Fans can look forward to his first decisions on staff, player selections, and tactical direction in the coming weeks, as the team begins its preparation for one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.