Ex-Leeds Rhinos boss Brian McDermott confirmed as England rugby league coach for 2026 World Cup

McDermott, now an assistant at NRL club Gold Coast Titans, is Betfred Super League’s most successful coach having won the title four times with Leeds, including the treble in 2015. The 56-year-old, who also had spells in charge of London Broncos, Toronto Wolfpack and Featherstone Rovers, was selected by a four-person panel comprising ex-Leeds and England captain Kevin Sinfield, alongside RFL chairman Nigel Wood, non-executive director Sara Symington and former Wigan and Great Britain star Kris Radlinski.

McDermott has previous World Cup experience as coach of USA and an assistant with Fiji and represented England and Great Britain during his playing career. He 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.”

Leeds’ current coach Brad Arthur was among unsuccessful applicants for the job. Explaining the appointment, Wood said: “We are delighted 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 the England team have the best possible chances of success.”