Kevin Sinfield is to step down as England defence coach after the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand.
Since the beginning of his rule in December 2022, Sinfield has been Steve Borthwick’s number two, but after 18 months, he will leave Twickenham.
The legendary Leeds rugby league player will monitor the defence before moving on to manage individual talents and work with the kickers.
“Kevin, like every member of the management team, had a period of reflection following the World Cup,” Borthwick stated.
In the long term, Kevin has decided to pursue other interests and depart the England rugby team.
He will support the team during the summer tour and the Six Nations competition.
“Kev will not work with the team then; he will move away from the team and in a different direction before the autumn series.”
“Not right now and Kev hasn’t told us,” was Borthwick’s response when pressed to elaborate on Sinfield’s future plans. In due order, you can talk to Kev about that question.
“I’m just appreciative that he has been such a valuable addition to the team over the past 12 months and that he will be sticking around for the summer tour and Six Nations.”
“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 goalkickers, which he does so very well.”
