Why Kevin Sinfield is set for shock coaching role

Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield could be about to take on a shock new coaching role.

Sinfield spent his entire career at Leeds making his debut at 16 years old in 1997 spending 19 seasons with the Rhinos.

He went on to captain the club from 2003-2015 winning seven Grand Finals, three World Club Challenges, three League Leaders’ Shields and two Challenge Cup Finals.

He then spent some time in Rugby Union after that before returning in 2018 as a Director of Rugby. He helped Leeds to win the Challenge Cup Final in 2020 but in 2021 he left for Leicester Tigers as Defence Coach under Steve Borthwick.

The duo won the title together and the duo were brought in at England but after the World Cup there was speculation that Sinfield would leave and it was later confirmed that he would leave in due course.

He has now been lined up as Defence Coach for Harlequins according to reports.

Why Kevin Sinfield is set for shock move

This is because Harlequins are losing Defence Coach Jerry Flannery.

Harlequins Director of Rugby Billy Millard said: “We will be sorry to see Jerry go as he is a big character and can be very proud of his achievements at Harlequins. We wish him well as he moves into international rugby and continues to develop his career. He will always be welcome at The Stoop. For the rest of this season we have a very strong group of coaches and are very fortunate to have Assistant Defence Coach Jordan Turner-Hall with us, and the resources and structure to achieve our goals.”

Flannery added: “I have loved my time at Harlequins working alongside a talented young group of coaches and players. The opportunity to move into international rugby and to work alongside Rassie Erasmus again after our time at Munster was very appealing and I would like to thank Harlequins for supporting my desire to take up this opportunity to develop my career. I look forward to the next few weeks with Harlequins and a final home match at a sold-out Stoop in February.”