After months of speculation, Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield’s future has been decided.
The former Leicester Tigers Defence Coach took on the Defence Coach role ahead of the Rugby Union World Cup.
However, after England lost the semi-final, despite a terrific defensive display, there was speculation in the rugby union press that Sinfield would leave.
Now Andrew Strawbridge will join Steve Borthwick’s coaching group as a consultant coach for the first four weeks of the 2024 Guinness Six Nations but Sinfield will remain as part of the set up. Felix Jones will be responsible for defence Kevin Sinfield will coach skills and kickers.
So, Sinfield will remain in the 15-man game with England. This is despite being spotted at Leeds training today.
After a playing career at Waikato, Strawbridge moved into coaching and held senior positions at National Provincial level with North Harbour for two seasons from 2003 and Auckland for three seasons from 2009. During this time he was also part of the coaching set-up that saw New Zealand Under 20s secure two world titles.
Strawbridge took on the role of assistant coach in the 2012 and 2013 back-to-back Super Rugby winning campaigns with the Chiefs. In 2015 he accepted the role of Technical Advisor with Manu Samoa, and returned to Waikato in 2019 as head coach, a position he held for two years before transitioning to director of rugby in 2021.
“Andrew is another coach with a wealth of knowledge,” said England men’s head coach, Borthwick. “He has worked extensively and successfully in Super Rugby and international rugby, most recently with New Zealand to help them to the final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“Andrew has an incredible reputation in player development and has helped a large number of players progress to be amongst the best in the world. His work around the contact area is incredibly highly regarded, ensuring teams have the quick ball needed to launch a threatening attack.
“I can’t wait for him to join the team and add the enormous value that I know he will bring.”
Incoming assistant coach Felix Jones will be responsible for England’s defence with Kevin Sinfield moving to coaching individual skills and the kickers. Richard Wigglesworth continues as attack coach and Tom Harrison remains in charge of the scrum.
Borthwick added: “I am tremendously excited to start working with Felix who is a coach with an incredible reputation and with vast experience in international rugby.
“With his background in Irish rugby and his wealth of knowledge operating in the southern hemisphere. He will bring a different dimension to our coaching team.”
