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Kevin Sinfield has spoken for the first time about his impending departure from the England set-up at the end of this season, with the cross-code icon more likely to take another job in union rather than return to league.
In the aftermath of the World Cup, it was announced that the man recently awarded a CBE – for his continuing, herculean fund-raising feats on behalf of his former team-mate Rob Burrow and others afflicted by Motor Neurone Disease – would be replaced as defence coach by Felix Jones.
Sinfield is now acting as a skills guru during the forthcoming Six Nations and the summer tour of Japan and New Zealand, before moving on.
He joined head coach Steve Borthwick in swapping Leicester for England halfway through last season and after a shaky start, masterminded a series of impressive defensive performances in France as the national team came agonisingly close to reaching the World Cup Final.
Sinfield suggested his exit was down to ‘personal reasons that need to remain private for now’, but went on to say: ‘It’s the best job I’ve ever had – apart from playing! I’ve really enjoyed working with the players.’
Kevin Sinfield admitted he is unlikely to return to rugby league after leaving England this year
Sinfield (right) was England’s defence coach but has been replaced by Felix Jones (left)
After fleeting rumours about a move back to league to join Sam Burgess at Warrington, there is intrigue about what Sinfield will do next.
‘Whether you believe me or not, I don’t know,’ he said. ‘Do I still want to coach? Yes. What that looks like, I’m not sure. I’m pretty excited about what’s to come this year with England, and then there is a lot of unknown for me. I’ll make the best of it.’
So what could ‘it’ be? ‘Coaching full-stop,’ he added. ‘I don’t know where that is or what it looks like, but I’ve really enjoyed coaching and I don’t ever feel like I really left rugby league because of my role with Rugby League Cares – the charitable arm of the sport. What I do know is I want to continue to support and help people.
‘When what happened with Rob (Burrow) happened, it was a big shift in my life, and it felt right to use my experience as a player to help me support players and other people. I try and use that in the best way moving forward. I won’t rule out anything at this stage. I think it’s very unlikely I’ll go back into rugby league, but I’ll never say no.’
Sinfield admitted that he never expected to become a coach, but he has forged strong bonds with the England players who have worked with him.
He played down any personal motivation to leave a legacy but added: ‘We’d all like to be missed.’
The rugby league icon was recently awarded a CBE for his continuing, herculean fund-raising feats on behalf of his ex-team-mate Rob Burrow and others afflicted by Motor Neurone Disease
Sinfield said he has forged strong bonds with the England players who have worked with him
For now, he is content to fulfil a role in support of Jones – the Irishman who was recruited after two global titles with the Springboks – and Richard Wigglesworth, who oversees the attack. In due course, he will follow from afar and remain a staunch supporter and proud patriot.
‘I think a lot about the players, I care a lot about them and I’ll stay in touch with them,’ he said.
‘Who knows, I might be working with them somewhere else. I want England to win and although I’ll only be part of this four-year cycle for a short period, it doesn’t change what I want to see in 2027. It has been too long since we won a World Cup. I want the team to grow and win some silverware.’
