Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield is set to stay as a coach for England rugby union – despite announcing in January that he would leave.
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”.
However, their head coach, Steve Borthwick, is keen to keep him around, according to The Telegraph. Speaking on Sinfield, he said: “You can’t overstate the value he’s brought, what he’s done and the relationships he’s built”.
The squad also seem to be a big fan of him. Captain Jamie George said last month: “I couldn’t be keener for him to stay. The role he’s playing is absolutely invaluable and he’s an incredible man.”
Kevin Sinfield agrees new England coaching deal
Credit: Imago Images
Now, The Times has reported that it’s close to a done deal, and that he will indeed stay on with the team beyond the original agreement.
His new role is believed to involve still working as a skills and kicking coach with the team, and working as a mentor for the younger players in the squad – although he will be paid as a consultant, rather than full-time, which means he could be part of other projects between England camps – maybe in RL.
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.
He missed an England test this month to attend the funeral of his friend Rob Burrow.
