Wakefield-born Brian McDermott takes over as new England head coach
Former four-time Grand Final winning boss Brian McDermott has been appointed as the new England men’s head coach.
The Wakefield-born Gold Coast Titans assistant will lead his country into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in Australia at the end of this season.
McDermott is the most successful coach in Super League history having won eight major trophies with Leeds Rhinos.
He also coached Featherstone Rovers in 2021-22 before taking up a role as assistant coach at Newcastle Knights for three years before joining their NRL rivals Gold Coast ahead of this season.
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.
McDermott, who started out in amateur rugby league as a junior with Eastmoor and went on to represent England and Great Britain during a decorated playing career, 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.”
The 56-year-old coached USA in the 2017 World Cup and replaces Shaun Wane who stepped aside in January.
Wood 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’s first job will be to decide on the make-up of his coaching staff.