Kevin Sinfield set to leave England Rugby Union

Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield may have taken on a new role with England Rugby Union as skills coach after the World Cup but he is now set to leave the set up at the end of the Six Nations and the summer tour.

This is a decision Sinfield has arrived at himself as per Head Coach Steve Borthwick. The England boss confirmed Sinfield believes he needs to go in a new direction after a period of reflection.

“Kevin after the World Cup had a period of reflection, like every member of the management team did,” Borthwick said.

“Kev’s decided that longer-term he’s going to head in a different direction away from the England rugby team.

“He’s going to work with the team through the Six Nations and through the summer tour.

“Ahead of the autumn series Kev will not work with the team then, he will move away from the team and in a different direction.”

When asked to expand on Sinfield’s future plans, Borthwick replied: “Not right now and Kev hasn’t told us. That’s a question you can discuss with Kev in due course.

“I’m just grateful that’s he added so much value over these 12 months and that he’s going to stay with the team for the Six Nations and the summer tour.

“Through this first 12 months, Kev’s role and what he’s added as we’ve reset the team, you can’t overstate the value he’s brought, what he’s done and the relationships he’s built.

“I’ve changed his role to skills and he will be working specifically on catch-pass skills with the kickers and goalkickers, which he does so very well.”

Sinfield was spotted at Leeds Rhinos training this week as the Rhinos prepare for the new season under Rohan Smith.

Sinfield likely saw his son Jack training. Sinfield the younger has been promoted to the number 21 shirt in 2024 after wearing the 29 jersey last season.

He was excellent in Leeds’ first friendly against Wakefield Trinity in the Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge as he finished the game with six out of seven goals, a drop goal as well as a well taken assist.