Rugby League Apr 24, 2026

Brian McDermott appointed England head coach for Rugby League World Cup 2026

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Brian McDermott appointed England head coach for Rugby League World Cup 2026

Former Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott has been appointed as the new England head coach.

McDermott will lead his country for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia at the end of this season.

The Gold Coast Titans assistant coach replaces Shaun Wane, who stepped down in January following England's 3-0 loss in the Ashes.

McDermott said: "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, represent 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."

He was chosen by a panel comprised of Kevin Sinfield, new Rugby Football League (RFL) non-executive director Sara Symington, interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku and RFL chair Nigel Wood, with RFL executive director of performance and participation Marc Lovering offering support.

In a statement, the RFL said McDermott will decide on his coaching staff "in due course".

Sam Burgess, Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur, and Paul Rowley were also interviewed for the role and Wood said McDermott "emerged from an outstanding field of candidates".

He added: "The selection process was comprehensive, thorough and the RFL is indebted to all those that assisted in the process.

"As the most successful coach in Super League history, Brian has demonstrated his capability to build fine teams and his previous experience as an international coach also demonstrates his knowledge of the unique challenges of harnessing players from different clubs in an international setting.

"By working currently in the NRL, Brian will have day-to-day visibility of many of the opponents the England team will be up against, while he also has a great network around the Betfred Super League clubs to ensure that the England team have the best possible chances of success."

McDermott is Super League's most successful coach, his Leeds Rhinos side winning four Grand Finals including the iconic 'golden generation' treble-winning team of 2015 that included the likes of Sinfield, Rob Burrow, and Danny McGuire.

McDermott began his tenure at the Rhinos in 2011 and remained there until 2018. He then took charge of Toronto Wolfpack and helped them to Super League promotion in 2019.

After a brief period in charge of Featherstone Rovers, he then headed to the NRL where he has been an assistant coach for the Newcastle Knights and now the Titans.

Your Site will again show every game of the Super League live this season - including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on

Tags:

rugby-league news

Share this article

Related Posts

Bradford Bulls 12-24 Leeds Rhinos: Leeds climb to summit after beating Bradford in first Super League meeting in 12 years

Bradford Bulls 12-24 Leeds Rhinos: Leeds climb to summit after beating Bradford in first Super League meeting in 12 years

Leeds moved top of the table after overcoming Bradford 24-12 in the west Yorkshire rivals’ first Betfred Super League meeting in 12 years.The old foes...

Warrington Wolves 23-6 Wigan Warriors: Josh Thewlis and Albert Hopoate star as Sam Burgess' side inflict fourth Super League loss in a row on Wigan

Warrington Wolves 23-6 Wigan Warriors: Josh Thewlis and Albert Hopoate star as Sam Burgess' side inflict fourth Super League loss in a row on Wigan

Josh Thewlis and Albert Hopoate scored for Warrington Wolves as they pulled off a big 23-6 win over Wigan Warriors in Round Nine of Super League at th...

Rivals Round: Updates, scores, videos, analysis reports with Hull KR, Hull FC, St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls in action

Rivals Round: Updates, scores, videos, analysis reports with Hull KR, Hull FC, St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls in action

Atletico showing strong interest in Wolves' GomesLatest from Your Site News' Lyall Thomas:Atletico Madrid are showing strong interest in signing Wolve...

Hull KR 24-6 Hull FC: Robins pull clear of local rivals to win fiery 250th derby in Super League Rivals Round opener

Hull KR 24-6 Hull FC: Robins pull clear of local rivals to win fiery 250th derby in Super League Rivals Round opener

Hull KR claimed successive Betfred Super League victories for the first time this season with a 24-6 win over Hull FC in a fiery 250th edition of the...

Hull FC CEO opens up on John Cartwright exit and Steve McNamara appointment: 'We couldn’t miss opportunity'

Hull FC CEO opens up on John Cartwright exit and Steve McNamara appointment: 'We couldn’t miss opportunity'

Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler has defended the club’s handling of John Cartwright’s departure after confirming Steve McNamara will take over as...

Brian McDermott adamant England can break Australia dominance and win Rugby League World Cup for first time

Brian McDermott adamant England can break Australia dominance and win Rugby League World Cup for first time

Brian McDermott believes he can devise the code to finally crack England's quest for a maiden Rugby League World Cup title and end Australia's long-st...