Brian McDermott to Lead England in Rugby League World Cup
Brian McDermott will assume the role of head coach for England's men's team ahead of this autumn's Rugby League World Cup.
The 56-year-old coach, who secured eight trophies during his tenure at Leeds Rhinos from 2010 to 2018—including four Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, the World Club Challenge, and the League Leaders' Shield—succeeds Shaun Wane, who resigned in January.
Currently serving as an assistant coach with the NRL's Gold Coast Titans, McDermott will undertake the England head coach position on a part-time basis, differing from his full-time predecessor.
Selected by the Rugby Football League from a shortlist of five candidates, which included Leeds head coach Brad Arthur, Warrington's Sam Burgess, St Helens' Paul Rowley, and former England coach Steve McNamara, McDermott expressed his pride in the appointment.
"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."
McDermott began his head coaching career in 2006 with Harlequins RL (now London Broncos) before his successful period at Leeds. During his time there, he also coached the United States national team. Following Leeds, he had coaching spells with Toronto Wolfpack and Featherstone, and later served as an assistant coach at Newcastle Knights in 2022, before joining the Gold Coast Titans in September of the same year.
England's campaign at the World Cup in Australia will commence against Tonga in Perth on 17 October, followed by matches against France and Papua New Guinea.
Willie Peters, Hull KR's treble-winning head coach, had expressed interest in the England head coach role earlier this year but withdrew from consideration after accepting a position with the new NRL team Papua New Guinea Chiefs at the end of the current season.
England Head Coach Shaun Wane Steps Down in World Cup Year
Wane's departure comes at a critical time as England prepares for the World Cup, marking a significant transition for the national team.
Analysis: Brian McDermott's Coaching Profile
Kevin Sinfield, a rugby league legend, has described Brian McDermott as the best coach he has played under, underscoring the significance of McDermott's appointment as England head coach for the upcoming World Cup.
McDermott's record includes four Super League titles, two Challenge Cups, and a World Club Challenge, all achieved with Leeds Rhinos. His coaching experience extends beyond Leeds, including roles at London, Toronto, Featherstone, and assistant coaching positions in the NRL with Newcastle and Gold Coast.
A former marine and boxer, McDermott had a notable playing career as a robust front-rower. Known for his commanding presence and complex personality, he balances a demanding coaching style with moments of humor, often quoting Alan Partridge and engaging in light-hearted training ground banter.
However, his approach has not always been universally popular among players. His handling of player selections, such as the dropping of Rob Burrow, has caused some friction, as detailed in the late player's book, to which McDermott also contributed.
In media interactions, McDermott tends to be less diplomatic, which may contrast with expectations for a smooth media presence. Nonetheless, comparisons have been drawn to Australian coach Wayne Bennett, whose similar media style did not hinder England's performance, nearly leading them to World Cup victory in 2017.
With limited time before the World Cup, McDermott faces the challenge of uniting the squad and preparing them to compete against dominant teams like Australia. His recent experience in the NRL provides valuable insight into the opposition.
The composition of his coaching staff will be a key factor as he seeks to optimize team dynamics and performance.
