Brian McDermott's first words as England appointment confirmed
Former Leeds Rhinos boss Brian McDermott has been confirmed as England's new head coach.
The 56-year-old, who is the most successful coach in Super League history after guiding the Rhinos to four titles, has been tasked with overseeing the national team's World Cup campaign later this year.
McDermott was selected by a panel featuring former Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield, seeing off competition from current Rhinos boss Brad Arthur, Sam Burgess, Paul Rowley and Steve McNamara.
“I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of England head coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup,” he said.
“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’s success at Headingley ultimately gave him the edge over his rivals for the job.
The ex-Bradford Bulls prop, who represented his country as a player, won eight major honours during his time in charge of the Rhinos.
McDermott led Leeds to World Club Challenge glory and back-to-back Challenge Cup wins. He also oversaw the club's League Leaders' Shield success as part of the treble in 2015.
The former London Broncos boss went on to coach Toronto Wolfpack and Featherstone Rovers but has not held a top job since his departure from Post Office Road in 2022.
While he has also been away from Super League, McDermott has remained at the top level as an assistant in the NRL with Newcastle Knights and current club Gold Coast Titans.
That experience has now been rewarded with his appointment as England head coach, succeeding Shaun Wane.
The Rugby Football League had initially identified Hull KR boss Willie Peters as their preferred candidate but his impending move to the PNG Chiefs saw the governing body turn to McDermott.
RFL chairman Nigel 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.”
Whether the Wakefield native, who coached the USA at the 2017 tournament, is afforded any time with the players before the World Cup remains to be seen. He has less than six months to prepare for England's campaign.
McDermott's side face Tonga in their opening group game on October 17.