England: Steve Borthwick makes ‘desperate’ offer to ‘frustrated’ coach after departure of world-class Felix Jones – report
England head coach Steve Borthwick and assistant Kevin Sinfield alongside defence guru Felix Jones.
England are looking to find some continuity in their coaching staff after offering Kevin Sinfield a new contract, according to a report.
It has been a turbulent few weeks for the Red Rose following the end of their New Zealand tour, with key backroom duo Aled Walters and Felix Jones choosing to leave.
Walters is among the best strength and conditioning coaches around while Jones is seen as one of the brightest young minds having helped the Springboks to successive Rugby World Cup triumphs.
The Irishman only joined the English set-up ahead of the Six Nations but is set to depart in 2025, with the RFU appearing to activate his 12-month notice period.
Jones’ apparent criticism
It has been claimed that Jones was “unhappy with the unstable working environment’, although whether that was aimed at Steve Borthwick or the wider issues within the RFU, remains to be seen.
With those two set to leave, The Telegraph are reporting that Sinfield has been offered a three-year extension at the request of the head coach, who is “desperate” to keep the rugby league legend.
The 44-year-old joined the England set-up in December 2022 alongside Borthwick and took charge of the defence for the 2023 Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.
However, he was replaced in that role by Jones, who switched from South Africa after the global tournament.
According to the report, Sinfield “has grown frustrated over the last year at a lack of definition to his job” having been moved to a position which includes skills and kicking following the ex-Munster back’s arrival.
Not yet accepted
The ex-Leeds Rhinos star was initially due to depart after the All Blacks games but was convinced to remain for the end-of-year encounters. Sinfield’s contract expires in November, however, he has not yet accepted the RFU’s offer.
Should he head for pastures new, it would leave Borthwick without a key lieutenant, while he has also proven to be very popular with the players during his time with the national team.
Negotiations are continuing with Sinfield, who would like to be given assurances over his role within the set-up, but nothing has yet been agreed.
Should it be completed, he will remain with the Red Rose until the end of the 2027 World Cup at the very least and provide some continuity heading into 2025.
Previous head coach Eddie Jones was renowned for his high turnover of coaches and the current boss will hope to avoid that during his tenure.
