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.

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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.

2026 Super League - key dates and what to look out for

Super League in Paris: Sat Jun 6: Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors (Paris), 6.30pm UK (Sky Sports)

Magic Weekend: July 4-July 5

Rivals Round reversed: July 23-July 26

Elimination Play-offs: September 19-September 20

Play-off semi-finals: September 26-September 27

Grand Final: October 3, Old Trafford.

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