Brian McDermott England Rugby Coach 2026

Key Points

• Brian McDermott, former Leeds Rhinos head coach, has been confirmed as England men’s head coach for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
• McDermott, aged 56, is currently an assistant coach at the NRL club Gold Coast Titans.
• He is the Betfred Super League’s most successful coach, winning the title four times with Leeds Rhinos, including the treble in 2015.
• McDermott previously coached the London Broncos, Toronto Wolfpack, and Featherstone Rovers.
• Selected by a four-person panel: ex-Leeds and England captain Kevin Sinfield CBE, RFL chairman Nigel Wood OBE, RFL non-executive director Sara Symington, and former Wigan and Great Britain star Kris Radlinski MBE.
• Some reports mention interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku and RFL executive director of performance and participation Marc Lovering in support roles.
• McDermott replaces Shaun Wane, who stepped down in January 2026 after six years, following an Ashes whitewash.
• McDermott beat competition from candidates including Sam Burgess, Steve McNamara, Brad Arthur, and Paul Rowley.
• McDermott has World Cup experience as head coach of the USA in 2017 and as an assistant with Fiji.
• He represented England and Great Britain as a player.
• McDermott stated: “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.”
• Additional quote from McDermott: “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.”
• RFL Chair Nigel Wood said: “We are delighted that Brian has accepted the role of England Head Coach, emerging from an outstanding field of candidates.”
• The World Cup is scheduled in Australia at the end of the 2026 season.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) April 23, 2026 – Former Leeds Rhinos boss Brian McDermott was confirmed as England coach for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, replacing Shaun Wane who resigned in January after nearly six years in the role.

As reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post, McDermott, now an assistant at NRL club Gold Coast Titans, steps into the position just months before the tournament in Australia. The 56-year-old has been named Super League’s most successful coach, having led Leeds Rhinos to four titles, including the treble in 2015.

Who is Brian McDermott, and What is His Coaching Record?

McDermott began his coaching career as an assistant at Huddersfield in 2003 before taking his first senior role with Harlequins RL (now London Broncos) in 2006.

He joined Leeds Rhinos as head coach in 2010, guiding them to major successes including the 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2017 Super League Grand Finals, the 2012 World Club Challenge, and Challenge Cups in 2014 and 2015.

His time at Leeds featured the ‘golden generation’ team with players like Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow, and Danny McGuire.

After leaving Leeds in 2018, McDermott coached Toronto Wolfpack and Featherstone Rovers, then moved to Australia as assistant coach at Newcastle Knights for three years before Gold Coast Titans this season.

As a player, McDermott represented England and Great Britain. He brings international experience, having coached USA at the 2017 World Cup and served as assistant for Fiji.

Why Did Shaun Wane Leave the England Coaching Role?

Shaun Wane stepped down from the England head coach position on January 14, 2026, nine months before the World Cup, after six years in charge.

Wane, previously with Wigan Warriors, had been appointed in February 2020. His departure followed an Ashes series whitewash.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) then initiated a search process.

Who Was on the Selection Panel for the New Coach?

The appointment was made by a four-person panel comprising Kevin Sinfield CBE, former Leeds Rhinos and England captain; Nigel Wood OBE, RFL chairman; Sara Symington, RFL non-executive director and double Olympian in cycling; and Kris Radlinski MBE, former Wigan Warriors and Great Britain player, now Wigan CEO.

Earlier reports noted interim RFL chief executive Abi Ekoku and RFL executive director of performance and participation Marc Lovering providing support.

As reported by Sky Sports, the panel selected McDermott from an outstanding field.

RFL Chair Nigel Wood commented, as covered by London Post: “We are delighted that Brian has accepted the role of England Head Coach, emerging from an outstanding field of candidates.”

Which Other Candidates Were Considered?

McDermott was shortlisted among five candidates interviewed for the role. Competitors included Sam Burgess, Steve McNamara, Leeds Rhinos’ Brad Arthur, and St Helens’ Paul Rowley.

As noted by Sky Sports, McDermott saw off this competition to secure the position.

What Does McDermott Bring to the England Team?

In his statement, reported across multiple outlets including Sky Sports and Rugby-League.com, 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.”

He added:

“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.”

The World Cup will take place in Australia at the end of the 2026 season, providing McDermott with a focused preparation period.

Background of the Development

Brian McDermott’s coaching journey began in 2003 as an assistant at Huddersfield Giants. He took over Harlequins RL in July 2006, securing five wins in his initial spell.

His appointment at Leeds Rhinos in 2010 marked the start of his most successful era, with four Super League titles, multiple Challenge Cups, and the World Club Challenge. Post-Leeds, he coached Toronto Wolfpack in their Super League entry and Featherstone Rovers. Since 2021, he has worked in the NRL, first at Newcastle Knights and now Gold Coast Titans.

The RFL’s selection process was announced earlier, with the panel formed in late March 2026. This followed Wane’s resignation amid a need for fresh leadership ahead of the World Cup. McDermott’s international pedigree, including USA’s 2017 campaign, factored into his selection.

Predictions: How This Development Can Affect England Rugby League Fans and Players

This appointment provides continuity through familiar figures like Sinfield while introducing McDermott’s proven winning formula from Super League. England players gain a coach with hands-on experience in high-stakes tournaments, potentially aiding preparation for the Australia-hosted World Cup.

Fans, particularly Leeds Rhinos supporters, may see increased alignment between club success and national team performance, given McDermott’s history. Super League clubs like Wigan and St Helens, represented via Radlinski, could benefit from panel insights into player development. The shift from Wane post-Ashes opens scope for tactical adaptations, influencing fan expectations for deeper tournament runs.