McDermott to lead England into World Cup

Brian McDermott will lead England's men into this autumn's Rugby League World Cup as their new head coach.

The 56-year-old, who won four Super League Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups, the World Club Challenge and the League Leaders' Shield in eight years as head coach of Leeds Rhinos, takes over from Shaun Wane, who stepped down in January.

McDermott, currently working as an assistant coach at NRL club Gold Coast Titans, will take the England role on a part-time basis, in contrast to his full-time predecessor Wane.

The Yorkshireman was selected by the Rugby Football League from a five-man shortlist, which also included current Leeds head coach Brad Arthur, Warrington's Sam Burgess, St Helens' Paul Rowley and former England head coach Steve McNamara.

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.

"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."

McDermott began his career as a head coach in 2006 with Harlequins RL - now London Broncos - before taking charge of Leeds in 2010, enjoying a trophy-laden eight-year stint, during which he also coached the United States national team.

He subsequently had spells with Toronto Wolfpack and Featherstone, before becoming an assistant coach at Newcastle Knights in 2022, and then the Titans last September.

England's World Cup campaign in Australia begins against Tonga in Perth on 17 October, with games against France and Papua New Guinea to follow.

Hull KR's treble-winning head coach Willie Peters had told the BBC in February that he was keen to have discussions over the role, but ruled himself out of the running by accepting an offer to join new NRL side Papua New Guinea Chiefs at the end of this season.

A world-beating ex-marine who quotes Alan Partridge - analysis

When a rugby league great in Kevin Sinfield says Brian McDermott is the best coach he ever played under, it is a clear sign his appointment as England head coach for the forthcoming World Cup cannot be taken lightly.

There is no denying the 56-year-old's roll of honour - four Super League titles, two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge, all achieved with Leeds.

He has also expanded on his head coaching experience at London, the Rhinos, Toronto and Featherstone with stints as an assistant in the NRL with Newcastle and Gold Coast.