First posted on PATREON and SUBSTACK
By JOHN DAVIDSON
Exclusive: Former Great Britain prop Barrie McDermott has called for change in Super League and to development systems in the UK to help England better compete on the international stage.
England’s men and women have made unwanted history in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup by failing to make the semi-final stage for the first time.
McDermott, a Sky Sports pundit who represented the Lions, England and Ireland in his distinguished 15-year career, believes the RFL has not prioritised the international game for some time and that the pathways in the UK are not designed to promote player development.
“It’s such a shame, yet again on the biggest stage our game is being criticised for its lack of depth and quality,” he told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads.
“We’ve got some terrific players who deserve the opportunity to shine but unfortunately keep falling short.
“The preparation was a factor and all the circumstances that have been well documented obviously played a part. But until the governing body and the game itself start taking international rugby seriously, why should anyone else?”
This year Super League increased its quota of overseas players from seven to 10 allowed for each club, and expanded from 12 to 14 teams. London Broncos are expected to get the nod for a 15-club Super League for 2027.
“Australia have looked down on our competition for decades and sometimes you can understand why,” McDermott said.
“We’ve got too many average overseas players coming into Super League who can’t get a game in the NRL. I’m not saying they’re all bad because some have been fantastic for our competition but too many are taking places that could be filled by young British players.
“Those young lads need opportunities. They need games, experience and time to develop into top quality players.
“If we keep blocking that pathway we’ll never produce the depth we need to compete with the best.”
Ex-England international Jon Wilkin has recently called for the UK government to put more money into rugby league as part of a community funding plan.
McDermott says improving England at international level and player development and participation needs a long-term strategy.
“This needs a proper 10-year strategy,” the 54-year-old said.
“I agree with Wilko about getting back into schools and introducing kids to rugby league at a younger age.
“It doesn’t even have to be full contact. There are so many brilliant aspects to our sport that we should be promoting to parents and encouraging both boys and girls to get involved.
“Get the foundations right and eventually that quality filters through to the top.
“And it’s not just about England. I’ve always believed Great Britain should be the pinnacle of our international game.
“Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England should all have their own identities and opportunities to develop with regular fixtures and proper preparation.
“There’s so much potential in those nations but we don’t give them enough time together or enough meaningful games, and it will take time, similar to what has happened to Tonga, Samoa and PNG.
“Build up the home nations and give them some real traction and you’ve got a stronger international game in the northern hemisphere, then ultimately a stronger Great Britain side.
“I genuinely believe all four nations could add so much more to the World Cup if we invested in them properly by the International Rugby League (IRL).
“That’s a much bigger conversation than just this World Cup.”
Ireland and Scotland were unable to be involved in the 2026 World Cup, as only full members can qualify. Wales failed to reach the tournament after losing in the qualifiers to France.
England coach Brian McDermott is currently off-contract after his short-term deal to coach the national team expired at the end of the tournament. McDermott was only appointed to the role in April, after replacing Shaun Wane.
“I still believe Brian McDermott is the right man for the job,” McDermott said.
“I’d give him the opportunity to build towards 2030 and back him properly. Give him the resources, the games, the preparation time and the opportunity to build a squad capable of competing with the very best.
“We can’t keep turning up every few years expecting different results when not enough has been done to change participation and elite level player development.
“It needs people with committment to change and a long-term view.”
