Kevin Sinfield has disclosed his departure from the England set-up this summer due to “personal reasons.”
However, he expresses a strong desire to continue his career in rugby union coaching.
“Do I still want to coach? Yes. What that looks like, I’m not sure at this stage,” Sinfield told The Telegraph.
“I’m pretty excited about what’s to come this year with England, and then there is a lot of unknown for me and I don’t know what it looks like going forward. I’ll make the best of it.
“I don’t know where that is or what it looks like, but I’ve really enjoyed coaching and I don’t ever feel like I really left rugby league because of my role with Rugby League Cares, the charitable arm of the sport. What I do know is I want to continue to support and help people.
“When what happened with Rob [Burrow] happened it was a big shift in my life, and it felt right to use my experience as a player to help me support players and other people.
“I try and use that in the best way moving forward. I won’t rule out anything at this stage, as I think I’d be daft to. I think it’s very unlikely I’ll go back into rugby league, but I’ll never say no.
“I think you will understand my main focus is the team this week. I don’t want anything to disrupt our performance. They are personal reasons, and I think for that they need to remain private. I think it’s important my reasons are kept private for now.”
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“Drop Genge, Steward” – Brian Moore picks his England XV for 2024 Six Nations opener
In a bold move reminiscent of his illustrious playing days, iconic hooker Brian Moore has unveiled his handpicked England XV for Steve Borthwick’s squad in the upcoming 2024 Six Nations opener against Italy.
BACK-THREE:
15. George Furbank
14. Tommy Freeman
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Moore wrote in The Telegraph: “George Furbank would probably edge this pick strictly on club form and this game would be ideal to see if the Northampton Saints full-back can make the decisive step into a starting role after his first series of England starts were inconclusive.”
“I would go straight for Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. It would be his first cap, but opening against Italy is the least pressured of Six Nations debuts and, cynically, it would secure his allegiance for the forthcoming years.
“You can never choose a completely risk-free debut, but you will never have an understanding of any player’s potential unless you give them a chance.”
CENTRES:
13. Henry Slade
12. Fraser Dingwall
Moore wrote in The Telegraph: |As Oscar Beard is also out through injury that leaves Fraser Dingwall, replacement call-up Max Ojomah or Daly. If Borthwick goes for the latter, it is the safe option but, given this is Italy, he should give Dingwall a start and just see where it goes.”
