Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield “strong contender” for Head Coach role in shock twist in his future

In 2018, three years after retiring, Kevin Sinfield returned to Leeds Rhinos as Director of Rugby.

Though some questioned the decisions he made, they led Leeds to a Challenge Cup trophy in 2020 however in 2021 he would leave the club to try his hand at coaching with the Leicester Tigers in rugby union.

He took over as defence coach and helped the club claim the Premiership under Steve Borthwick – the Tigers Head Coach.

However, recent events have shaken Sinfield’s future up. Eddie Jones was relieved of his role as Head Coach of England rugby union last week and England have made Borthwick their number one target as Jones in search of his next role having been chased by Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves in the past and having been open about his desire to coach NRL.

Originally, the RFU were willing to pay £2 million to bring Borthwick and his staff to the England set up which would see Sinfield replace former Hull FC boss Brett Hodgson as England Defence Coach after he recently replaced former Leeds Rhinos coaching candidate Anthony Seibold in the role after he headed to Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL.

However, now The Telegraph is reporting that the RFU is closing in on a £1 million move for just Borthwick alone which would leave Sinfield at the Tigers.

According to the publication, the loss of Borthwick would make Sinfield a strong contender for the Leicester job as they look to enhance their links with rugby league.

They said: “Sinfield, the rugby league legend, is a strong contender to succeed Borthwick as head coach at Leicester, with the club keen to enhance their connections with the 13-a-side code.”

Thus, we could soon see Sinfield take on a Head Coach role just not in rugby league but the 15-man game.