Super League legend Kevin Sinfield will continue in his role as part of the England rugby union coaching team.
Sinfield has been second in command to England head coach Steve Borthwick since the start of his reign in December 2022, initially as defense coach, and this year switching to skills/kicking coach.
After finishing third in the Six Nations earlier this year, England suffered two close defeats to New Zealand in the summer.
Sinfield was due to step down following the recent tour to Japan and New Zealand, but has chosen to remain in his position as skills and kicking coach, as well as providing guidance to the team.
“Working with Steve and the team has been an extremely rewarding experience and I look forward to continuing my involvement with the team,” Sinfield said.
“This new arrangement allows me to continue the work I am passionate about, coaching and mentoring players, while balancing other commitments that are important to me.”
Sinfield will continue to work with England on an ongoing basis, in a lift to the national set-up following the sudden departures of Aled Walters and Felix Jones, who had served as head of strength and conditioning and defense coach respectively.
The 44-year-old has raised more than £10 million for motor neurone disease (MND) research and charity. His fundraising efforts began when his former rugby league teammate and friend Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and have included running seven marathons in seven days as well as other endurance feats.
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An emotional Kevin Sinfield described his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow as a ‘legend’ following his death at the age of 41.
Sinfield’s contact time outside of Test windows and match weeks will be reduced, allowing him to focus on other activities.
“Kevin is a talented coach and an inspirational figure in our set-up,” Borthwick said.
“The work he does on and off the field is invaluable to our players, so I am delighted that he will remain part of the management team and continue to contribute to the success of England Rugby.”
