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

Hull FC head coach John Cartwright to leave Super League club at end of season

Hull FC head coach John Cartwright to leave Super League club at end of season

Hull FC head coach John Cartwright will leave the club at the conclusion of the 2026 Super League season.Cartwright was appointed by the Black and Whi...

Super League: Wakefield run 10 tries past Bradford, as Warrington miss out on going joint-top after Catalans defeat

Super League: Wakefield run 10 tries past Bradford, as Warrington miss out on going joint-top after Catalans defeat

Tom Johnstone and Olivier Pratt both scored hat-tricks as Wakefield swept past Bradford 52-12 at the DIY Kitchens Stadium to move up into second place...

Hull KR run riot in 46-0 win over Toulouse Olympique as Leigh Leopards get back to winning ways with 18-6 win over York Knights

Hull KR run riot in 46-0 win over Toulouse Olympique as Leigh Leopards get back to winning ways with 18-6 win over York Knights

Hull KR ran riot with eight tries and picked up their third straight win in Betfred Super League with a comprehensive 46-0 victory over Toulouse.Ellio...

John Cartwright left 'betrayed and disrespected' by Hull FC after departure announcement

John Cartwright left 'betrayed and disrespected' by Hull FC after departure announcement

John Cartwright says he has been left "betrayed and disrespected" after his Hull FC exit was confirmed before the club had given him an explanation.Hu...

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...

Joel Tomkins' Catalans Dragons departure confirmed as head coach cites 'personal reasons' for decision to step down

Joel Tomkins' Catalans Dragons departure confirmed as head coach cites 'personal reasons' for decision to step down

Joel Tomkins has confirmed he has chosen to step down from his role as head coach at Catalans Dragons, a role he held for just under a year, due to "p...