Brian McDermott confirmed as England head coach as RFL chair explains decision

Former Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott has been confirmed as the man to lead England into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

McDermott has been confirmed as the England head coach and the man to take England into this year’s Rugby League World Cup, with the 56-year-old replacing Shaun Wane after he resigned back in January.

Currently an assistant with Gold Coast Titans, McDermott beat out several Super League coaches to land the job and now takes on his first head coach role since departing Featherstone Rovers in 2022.

Announcing the decision, an RFL statement read: “The Rugby Football League has appointed four-time Super League Grand Final-winning coach Brian McDermott as England Men’s Head Coach.

“He was selected by a four-person panel including RFL Chair Nigel Wood OBE, RFL Non-Executive Director Sara Symington, ex-England captain Kevin Sinfield CBE and former Great Britain international Kris Radlinski MBE.”

Speaking on his appointment, 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.”

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Nigel Wood explains why McDermott is right man to lead England at 2026 Rugby League World Cup

The most successful coach in Super League history, McDermott comes with immense pedigree whilst he also has good knowledge of the NRL having worked in the competition for the past few years.

RFL chair Nigel Wood pointed to those assets when assessing the appointment.

He said: “We are delighted that Brian has accepted the role of England Head Coach, emerging from an outstanding field of candidates.

“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.

“I am sure the whole sport will wish Brian every success in the role.”

McDermott will decide on who joins his coaching staff in ‘due course’.

Introducing the new #EnglandRL Men’s Head Coach 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/4yzaGJWpGx

— England Rugby League (@England_RL) April 23, 2026