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Leeds Rhinos make comment after Kevin Sinfield named England coach

Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield has finally been officially confirmed as Defence Coach at England Rugby Union, something that had been expected for almost a fortnight, and his former club have commented on it.

It was confirmed that Sinfield would join Leicester Tigers boss Steve Borthwick in making the switch from the Premiership winners to England and the RFU made these comments about the Rhinos legend in their statement.

“Former England captain and forwards coach Steve Borthwick has been announced as England men’s head coach from today.

“Kevin Sinfield has also been appointed to the position of England men’s defence coach, taking on the role this week.

“Sinfield started playing Rugby League at Waterhead ARLFC. He was a player, captain and director of rugby for Leeds Rhinos where he led the team to seven Super League championships and two Challenge Cup successes. He was a loose forward as well as a stand-0ff.

“He played 26 rugby league tests for England which he captained and 14 tests for Great Britain. He holds the record for the highest points-scorer in Super League history and earned many individual accolades including the Lance Todd Trophy (2005), Harry Sunderland Trophy (2009, 2012) and the  Golden Boot (2012). Sinfield has been defence coach alongside Borthwick in their record-breaking run at Leicester Tigers.

“Sinfield was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2014 Birthday Honours for services to rugby league and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2021 Birthday Honours for services to rugby league football and charitable fundraising.

“He has raised over £7m for charity and championed research in support of ex-Leeds teammate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), his fundraising also honours former rugby union player Doddie Weir and former footballer Stephen Darby, both of whom were diagnosed with MND.”

Now his former Super League club, Leeds Rhinos, have passed comment on Sinfield’s appointment in a reaction posted on their Twitter.

To no surprise the club where he forged his name were delighted about his appointment and Sinfield now joins two other world class Super League players in transitioning into coaching international rugby union.

Shaun Edwards occupies the same role that Sinfield has assumed but for the French national team operating as their Defence Coach, whilst Andy Farrell was the Defence Coach for both England and Ireland but is now the Irish Head Coach.

Sinfield will start his role this week and will help lead England to the World Cup which is in just under nine months time.

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