Brian McDermott will lead England’s males into this autumn’s Rugby League World Cup as their new head coach.
The 56-year-old, who gained 4 Tremendous League Grand Finals, two Problem Cups, the World Membership Problem and the League Leaders’ Defend in eight years as head coach of Leeds Rhinos, takes over from Shaun Wane, who stepped down in January.
McDermott, at present working as an assistant coach at NRL membership Gold Coast Titans, will take the England position on a part-time foundation, in distinction to his full-time predecessor Wane.
The Yorkshireman was chosen by the Rugby Soccer League from a five-man shortlist, which additionally included present Leeds head coach Brad Arthur, Warrington’s Sam Burgess, St Helens’ Paul Rowley and former England head coach Steve McNamara.
McDermott stated: “I am extremely proud to tackle the position of England head coach forward of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
“My focus now could be on creating an atmosphere the place gamers can carry out with confidence, signify the shirt with delight, and provides themselves the most effective probability of going deep into the match.
“I’ve at all times been hands-on and near the element, and that will probably be vital on this position. My job now could be to get the requirements proper, construct perception within the group, and ensure we’re prepared when it issues.”
McDermott started his profession as a head coach in 2006 with Harlequins RL – now London Broncos – earlier than taking cost of Leeds in 2010, having fun with a trophy-laden eight-year stint, throughout which he additionally coached the USA nationwide crew.
He subsequently had spells with Toronto Wolfpack and Featherstone, earlier than turning into an assistant coach at Newcastle Knights in 2022, after which the Titans final September.
England’s World Cup marketing campaign in Australia begins towards Tonga in Perth on 17 October, with video games towards France and Papua New Guinea to comply with.
Hull KR’s treble-winning head coach Willie Peters had instructed the BBC in February that he was eager to have discussions over the position, however dominated himself out of the operating by accepting a suggestion to hitch new NRL aspect Papua New Guinea Chiefs on the finish of this season.
