Brian McDermott has been appointed as England's new head coach, tasked with leading the team to their first-ever Rugby League World Cup victory. The 56-year-old takes over from Shaun Wane, who stepped down in January, and will oversee England's campaign in Australia this October.
McDermott, the most successful coach in Super League history with eight major trophies during his eight-year stint at Leeds, was selected by a panel comprising former England players Kevin Sinfield and Kris Radlinski, RFL chair Nigel Wood, and non-executive director Sara Symington. He beat off competition from Brad Arthur, Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, and Steve McNamara for the role.
Currently an assistant coach at NRL side Gold Coast Titans, McDermott expressed his pride at taking the helm: '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.'
England, three-time runners-up, begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga on 17 October. McDermott, who previously coached the USA at the 2017 World Cup, will decide on his backroom staff in due course. RFL chair Nigel Wood praised the appointment, noting McDermott's success in building fine teams and his current NRL role providing visibility of England's opponents.
