Brian McDermott has been appointed head coach of England’s men’s rugby league side for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The 56‑year‑old arrives after an eight‑year tenure at Leeds Rhinos that yielded four Super League crowns, two Challenge Cups, a World Club Challenge and a League Leaders’ Shield. He succeeds Shaun Wane, who stepped down in January, and will juggle the role part‑time while serving as an assistant at the Gold Coast Titans.

The Rugby Football League selected McDermott from a five‑man shortlist that included Leeds boss Brad Arthur, Warrington’s Sam Burgess, St Helens’ Paul Rowley and former England coach Steve McNamara. His résumé spans head‑coach posts at Harlequins RL, Leeds, Toronto Wolfpack and Featherstone, plus assistant stints with Newcastle Knights and the Titans. Former England great Kevin Sinfield praised him as the best coach he ever played under, underscoring the weight of the appointment.

England open their World Cup campaign in Perth on 17 October against Tonga, followed by fixtures versus France and Papua New Guinea. McDermott’s immediate task is to forge a cohesive unit capable of challenging Australia’s dominance. With limited time before the tournament, his blend of trophy‑winning experience and recent NRL exposure will shape England’s chances in the Southern Hemisphere.