In a revelation made by head coach Steve Borthwick, Kevin Sinfield is set to bid farewell to the England coaching team later this year.
Having served as Borthwick’s indispensable ally since his departure from Leicester in late 2022 to assume the England coaching role, Sinfield’s departure is scheduled after the conclusion of the Six Nations and the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand.
It was confirmed earlier today that the rugby league legend will no longer be the teams defence coach, and will instead only coach individual skills and the kickers.
“Kevin has made a decision to go in a different direction,” Borthwick told BBC Sport.
“He builds such great relationships with players so it’s fantastic he is staying with this team over this period.
“As we have tried to reset this England team over the last 12 months, what Kev has brought can’t be overstated, the enormous amount he has brought to this team.
“It is so valuable he is staying with the team through the Six Nations and the summer so we will continue to maximise every bit he can bring to the team.”
Insiders at RUCK hint that Kevin Sinfield is potentially in the sights of England’s Six Nations opponents.
Scotland’s head coach, Gregor Townsend, known for his proclivity for restructuring coaching setups, is a keen admirer of Sinfield and is considering incorporating him into his backroom team leading up to the 2024 Autumn Internationals.
Get your tickets for the 2024 Six Nations with viagogo, the world’s leading ticket marketplace.
20 Greatest British Rugby Players:
#20. Stuart Hogg (Scotland) – Known for his electrifying play, Stuart Hogg from Scotland earns his place among the greatest British rugby players.
#19. Gerald Davies (Wales) – A Welsh icon, Gerald Davies left an indelible mark on the rugby world with his exceptional skills and performances.
#18. Gavin Hastings (Scotland) – The Scottish rugby maestro showcased immense talent and leadership, earning a spot among the all-time greats.
#17. Richard Hill (England) – A stalwart in English rugby, Richard Hill’s contributions have solidified his standing as one of the top British players in history.
#16. Jason Leonard (England) – Renowned for his longevity and prowess in the scrum, Jason Leonard is a distinguished figure in English rugby history.