Kevin Sinfield makes decision on England future after ‘period of reflection’
Steve Borthwick and Kevin Sinfield coaching England in 2023.
England will bid farewell to Kevin Sinfield after the mid-year tour to Japan and New Zealand, with the defence coach set to step down from his international role.
Sinfield, who was on Thursday confirmed to be taking on a new job in the Six Nations focusing on individual skills and kicking, is a popular member of the backroom team.
He has been head coach Steve Borthwick‘s number two since he began his duties in December 2022, but has decided to move on after an 18-month stint in the post.
Different direction
Borthwick revealed the rugby league legend’s departure after confirming that ex-All Blacks skills consultant Andrew Strawbridge will join them for four weeks.
“Kevin, after the World Cup, had a period of reflection, like every member of the management team did,” Borthwick said, with Sinfield now in his final year in the job.
“Kev’s decided that longer-term he’s going to head in a different direction away from the England rugby team.
“He’s going to work with the team through the Six Nations and through the summer tour.
“Ahead of the autumn series Kev will not work with the team then, he will move away from the team and in a different direction.”
Borthwick was asked where Sinfield’s future lies and said nothing has been confirmed by a man who has raised millions of pounds for motor neurone disease charities.
“Kev hasn’t told us. That’s a question you can discuss with Kev in due course,” he said.
Added value to team
“I’m just grateful that he’s added so much value over these 12 months and that he’s going to stay with the team for the Six Nations and the summer tour.
“Through this first 12 months, Kev’s role and what he’s added as we’ve reset the team, you can’t overstate the value he’s brought, what he’s done and the relationships he’s built.
“I’ve changed his role to skills and he will be working specifically on catch-pass skills with the kickers and goal-kickers, which he does so very well.”
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