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 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, presently 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 Football 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’m incredibly proud to take on the role of England head coach ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
“My focus now could be on creating an setting the place gamers can carry out with confidence, signify the shirt with delight, and provides themselves the very best likelihood of going deep into the match.
“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 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 United States nationwide workforce.
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 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 told the BBC in February that he was eager to have discussions over the function, however dominated himself out of the working by accepting a suggestion to be part of new NRL facet Papua New Guinea Chiefs on the finish of this season.
