Brian McDermott Takes Helm as England's Head Coach for Rugby League World Cup
Brian McDermott will lead England's men into the 2026 Rugby League World Cup as their new head coach. The 56-year-old, renowned for his successful tenure with Leeds Rhinos, takes over from Shaun Wane, who stepped down in January. Currently serving as an assistant coach at Gold Coast Titans, McDermott will assume the England role on a part-time basis, differing from Wane's full-time position. He was chosen by the Rugby Football League from a shortlist that included notable names such as Brad Arthur, Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley, and Steve McNamara. In his own words, McDermott expressed pride in his new role, stating, "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." His coaching career began in 2006 with Harlequins RL, leading to a trophy-laden period at Leeds from 2010. His experience also includes stints with Toronto Wolfpack, Featherstone, and as an assistant in the NRL. England's World Cup campaign kicks off against Tonga in Perth on 17 October, followed by matches against France and Papua New Guinea. McDermott faces the challenge of uniting the squad and strategizing against Australia's dominance in the competition. While he is known for demanding high standards, McDermott's complex character may present challenges, especially in media relations. His past experiences will be crucial as he prepares to lead England against formidable opponents, with the hope of replicating the success he achieved at Leeds.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-23