Kevin Sinfield set for huge coaching role after shock development

The door is wide open for Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield to complete a shock move to a new club.

This comes as Sinfield is set to leave England Rugby Union after just over a year in the role as Defence Coach.

This was the role he really impressed in with Leicester Tigers and according to the Times he has been lined up by Harlequins in the same role with the club losing their current Defence Coach Jerry Flannery.

Harlequins have confirmed that Flannery will depart the Club in February to take up a coaching role with the South African national team. Flannery will depart for the Springboks following the high-profile friendly match at The Stoop on Friday 23 February as Harlequins take on his former side Munster Rugby.

Flannery, who joined the Club in 2020 has been a key part of the coaching team that won the Gallagher Premiership title in 2021 and now stand second in the Premiership.

Kevin Sinfield explains England exit

Speaking to the Telegraph, Sinfield revealed that his motivations for leaving are personal and that he would like to stay in coaching moving forward which hints towards the potential Harlequins move.

“I think you will understand my main focus is the team this week. I don’t want anything to disrupt our performance. They are personal reasons, and I think for that they need to remain private. I think it’s important my reasons are kept private for now,” he said.

He added: “Do I still want to coach? Yes. What that looks like, I’m not sure at this stage,” he said. “I’m pretty excited about what’s to come this year with England, and then there is a lot of unknown for me and I don’t know what it looks like going forward. I’ll make the best of it.

“I don’t know where that is or what it looks like, but I’ve really enjoyed coaching.”

He also spoke about a potential rugby league return here.