Brian McDermott names England rugby squad with Connor's return
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 3:00 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
England rugby coach Brian McDermott has announced a 38-man squad featuring 10 uncapped players for the upcoming World Cup. Jake Connor, the 31-year-old Man of Steel, returns after a seven-year absence from international play. Following Shaun Wane's departure, McDermott emphasizes the talent available in Super League and the NRL. The World Cup will take place later this year across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. This initial squad selection allows room for further players to enter contention before the final announcement.
- •McDermott announces 38-man squad before World Cup
- •Jake Connor returns after seven years
- •Ten uncapped players included in the squad
- •World Cup scheduled for later this year in October and November
- •Initial selection allows for further players to compete for spots
- 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — Connor returns in McDermott's first England squad
- 3:00 PMBBC Sport — Connor returns in McDermott's first England squad
"England coach Brian McDermott has recalled reigning Man of Steel Jake Connor and named 10 uncapped players in a 38-man performance squad ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
"England coach Brian McDermott picks 10 uncapped players in an expanded 38-man squad before this year's World Cup - and recalls Man of Steel Jake Connor.
"England coach Brian McDermott picks 10 uncapped players in an expanded 38-man squad before this year's World Cup - and recalls Man of Steel Jake Connor.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 3:00 PMConnor returns in McDermott's first England squad
England coach Brian McDermott picks 10 uncapped players in an expanded 38-man squad before this year's World Cup - and recalls Man of Steel Jake Connor.
- BBC SportJun 16, 2026, 3:00 PMConnor returns in McDermott's first England squad
England coach Brian McDermott picks 10 uncapped players in an expanded 38-man squad before this year's World Cup - and recalls Man of Steel Jake Connor.
- Sky Sports—Connor recalled to England squad ahead of World Cup
England coach Brian McDermott has recalled reigning Man of Steel Jake Connor and named 10 uncapped players in a 38-man performance squad ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NRL•Sep 8, 2026, 1:06 PMHardaker leaving Hull to join ambitious Knights
NRL•Sep 8, 2026, 9:51 AMReuben Cotter set to fight high tackle charge at NRL judiciary
NRL•Sep 8, 2026, 9:06 AMGee wins race for fourth finals referee spot: NRL Finals Week 1 match officials
NRL•Sep 8, 2026, 6:21 AMRabbitohs half in line for England World Cup debut
NRL•Sep 8, 2026, 5:56 AMNRL Team Lists Finals Week 1: All the big selection calls revealed
NRL•Sep 8, 2026, 5:11 AMMax King makes Bulldogs call after PNG link