Sinfield steps down from England role

Kevin Sinfield has stepped down as Head of England’s Performance Unit, following the appointment of Shaun Wane as Head Coach.

He helped to create the unit back in 2018 during his role as the RFL’s Rugby Director, but will now step aside to allow the RFL to go in a new direction.

Commenting on this decision, Sinfield said: “I am immensely proud of the progress we have made with all three of our senior national teams.

“On a personal note, I would like to thank all the staff and players who have worked so hard on all the six England programmes during my time at the RFL.

“Our aim was to put the national teams at the pinnacle of our sport in terms of preparation and development, which I believe we have gone a long way towards achieving.

“I would particularly like to pay tribute to Wayne Bennett as England Head Coach. Wayne has always shown nothing but complete commitment to the England cause during his time in charge of the national team and the wealth of knowledge he has given to our players and coaches will enhance the game in this country for many years to come.

“I am certain, like me, he will wish the team every success in the future as they look to fulfil their undoubted potential.”

RFL CEO Ralph Rimmer added:  “We’re obviously very sad about Kevin’s decision to step down from his role at the RFL and the England Performance Unit.

“We did try to convince him to stay but he has made his decision, and every one of us at the RFL wish him the best in what we’re sure will be a hugely successful future.

“I’m grateful to Kevin for his kind words wishing our England teams success for the next two years. In anything we do achieve, his role will always be acknowledged and appreciated and he will remain very much a part of our RLWC2021 journey.”