England assistant coach Kevin Sinfield will maintain his role with the team, providing stability at Twickenham following the departure of two of head coach Steve Borthwick’s key assistants, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced on Monday.
Sinfield, a former rugby league player and assistant coach at Leicester Tigers under Borthwick, joined the RFU as the defence coach ahead of the 2023 Six Nations. Following a reshuffle in the coaching staff, he transitioned to a broader position as skills and kicking coach, and he will also take on a mentoring role with the players, who hold him in high regard.
Despite significant changes in the coaching lineup, including new appointments in defence and fitness roles, there were rumors about Sinfield’s potential exit. However, he will remain with the team, although his involvement outside of test match windows will be reduced to accommodate his other personal and professional commitments.
“Kevin is a talented coach and an inspirational figure in our set-up,” Borthwick remarked. “The work he does on and off the field is invaluable to our players so I am pleased he’ll remain part of the management team.”
Sinfield expressed his enthusiasm for continuing with the team, stating, “Working with Steve and the team has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I am excited to continue my involvement. This new arrangement allows me to keep doing the thing that I’m passionate about, coaching and mentoring players, while also balancing other commitments which are important to me.”
Sinfield has raised over £10 million for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research and charities, inspired by his close friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with MND in 2019. Sinfield’s fundraising efforts include completing seven marathons in seven days and other endurance challenges. Despite Burrow’s passing in June, Sinfield’s advocacy continues, with plans to run 50 kilometers daily for a week later this year.
In the meantime, Sinfield will assist in preparing England for upcoming tests at Twickenham against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan.