Kevin Sinfield decides his future as Leeds Rhinos search for new head coach

Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield has confirmed where his future lies, while his former club have just parted ways with head coach Rohan Smith.

Rohan Smith leaves the club after two years which culminated in an embarrassing defeat to Hull FC at the weekend.

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. A source said, according to The Telegraph: “They are hoping to secure an extension. The boys love him.”

His new role is believed to be working as a skills and kicking coach with the team, and working as a mentor for the younger players in the squad.

Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield’s future

Sinfield also coached Borthwick’s title-winning Leicester Tigers, and said at the time he wanted his next role to be in coaching, saying: “Do I still want to coach? Yes.”

“[It will be] coaching full-stop. I want to continue to support and help people.

“When what happened with Rob [Burrow] happened, it was a big shift in my life, and it felt right to use my experience as a player to help me support players and other people. I try to use that in the best way moving forward. I won’t rule out anything at this stage. I think it’s very unlikely I’ll go back into rugby league, but I’ll never say no.”

A new role would, reportedly, likely be on a consultancy basis, giving him plenty of time to explore options elsewhere.

Although he said it’s unlikely, this could be within rugby league, if the right opportunity comes.