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Brian McDermott Named England's Rugby League Head Coach

4/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Brian McDermott, former Leeds Rhinos coach, will be named England's head coach for the men's rugby league team later this week and aims for England's first World Cup victory.
He was chosen over Sam Burgess and Brad Arthur after a broader Rugby Football League search.
The Rugby Football League targeted Willie Peters of Hull Kingston Rovers, with his move to the Papua New Guinea Chiefs reshaping the search.

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Story summary

Brian McDermott, former Leeds Rhinos coach, will be named England's head coach for the men's rugby league team later this week and aims for England's first World Cup victory.
He was chosen over Sam Burgess and Brad Arthur after a broader Rugby Football League search.
The Rugby Football League targeted Willie Peters of Hull Kingston Rovers, with his move to the Papua New Guinea Chiefs reshaping the search.