Kevin Sinfield is set to continue in a role with England Rugby Union, despite previously announcing that he would be leaving.
England rugby union and Kevin Sinfield were scheduled to part ways in July, following the addition of Felix Jones, the former South Africa assistant, to the coaching team in January.
At the time of the announcement in January, Sinfield – awarded a CBE earlier this year for his remarkable fund-raising feats – suggested his exit was down to “personal reasons that need to remain private for now.”
In January, it was announced that he was leaving his role after July tests against New Zealand, when he said: “It’s the best job I’ve ever had – apart from playing! I’ve really enjoyed working with the players.”
Sinfield has been working with England RU since 2022, when he followed head coach Steve Borthwick after they worked together at Leicester Tigers for a year.
He joined the Tigers after being Leeds Rhinos’ first ever Director of Rugby for three years.
Future of Kevin Sinfield clarified by England Rugby Union
Now, he will remain with the organisation in a role that, according to the Independent, “will allow him to pursue other personal and professional commitments”.
His role is working on skills and as a mentor to individual players, but will be at a reduced capacity outside of the international windows, to allow him to have other roles elsewhere – perhaps in rugby league, alongside his inspirational MND fundraising, which has already seen him raise over £10 million.
Sinfield said: “Working with Steve and the team has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I am excited to continue my involvement with the team.
“This new arrangement allows me to keep doing the thing that I’m passionate about, coaching and mentoring players, while also balancing other commitments which are important to me.”