Brian McDermott's first words after becoming England coach ahead of Rugby League World Cup
Four-time Super League Grand Final-winning coach Brian McDermott has been appointed as the new England head coach by the Rugby Football League, taking over the reins from Shaun Wane.
McDermott, who is currently an assistant coach in the NRL with Gold Coast Titans, will lead his country for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea at the end of this season, succeeding Wane, who stepped aside from his role back in January.
The 56-year-old is the most successful coach in the Super League era, having won eight major trophies with Leeds Rhinos during his time in the Headingley hot seat between 2011 and 2018.
McDermott was selected by a four-person panel including RFL chair Nigel Wood, RFL non-executive director Sara Symington, ex-England captain Kevin Sinfield and former Great Britain international Kris Radlinski, who is the current chief executive of Wigan Warriors.
“I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of England head coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup,” said McDermott, who represented both England and Great Britain during a decorated playing career with Bradford Bulls, where he was a one-club man and made more than 250 appearances.
"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 has previous experience of coaching on the international stage, having led the USA in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup in the southern hemisphere.
Meanwhile, the Yorkshireman worked as an assistant at Newcastle Knights for three years before joining fellow NRL side Gold Coast ahead of this season.
“We are delighted that Brian has accepted the role of England head coach, emerging from an outstanding field of candidates,” said Wood. “The selection process was comprehensive, thorough, and the RFL is indebted to all those who 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.
“I am sure the whole sport will wish Brian every success in the role.”
McDermott will decide on the make-up of his coaching staff in due course, with the World Cup now less than six months away. England face Tonga in Perth in their first game at the tournament on October 17.