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 received 4 Tremendous League Grand Finals, two Problem Cups, the World Membership Problem and the League Leaders’ Protect in eight years as head coach of Leeds Rhinos, takes over from Shaun Wane, who stepped down in January.
McDermott, at the moment working as an assistant coach at NRL membership Gold Coast Titans, will take the England function 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 mentioned: “I am extremely proud to tackle the function of England head coach forward of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
“My focus now’s on creating an atmosphere the place gamers can carry out with confidence, characterize the shirt with satisfaction, and provides themselves the very best likelihood of going deep into the event.
“I’ve all the time been hands-on and near the element, and that can be vital on this function. My job now’s 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 staff.
He subsequently had spells with Toronto Wolfpack and Featherstone, earlier than changing into an assistant coach at Newcastle Knights in 2022, after which the Titans final September.
England’s World Cup marketing campaign in Australia begins in opposition to Tonga in Perth on 17 October, with video games in opposition to France and Papua New Guinea to comply with.
Hull KR’s treble-winning head coach Willie Peters had advised the BBC in February that he was eager to have discussions over the function, however dominated himself out of the operating by accepting a suggestion to affix new NRL aspect Papua New Guinea Chiefs on the finish of this season.
