Kevin Sinfield decides his future as Leeds Rhinos look for a new head coach

England Rugby Union and Kevin Sinfield were set to part ways in July after adding former South Africa assistant Felix Jones to the coaching staff in January.

At the time of the announcement in January, Sinfield – awarded a CBE earlier this year for his outstanding fundraising exploits – suggested his exit was due to “personal reasons which must remain private for the time being”.

In January, it was announced that he would be leaving the role after July’s Tests against New Zealand, when he said: “It’s the best job I’ve ever had – apart from playing! I really enjoyed working with the players.”

However, their head coach Steve Borthwick is keen to keep him around, according to The Telegraph. Speaking of Sinfield, he said: “You can’t overstate the value he brought, what he did and the relationships he built.”

The team also seems to be a big fan of his. A source said, according to The Telegraph: “They are hoping to secure an extension. The boys love him.”

His new role is believed to be to work as the team’s skills and kicking coach and work as a mentor to the younger players in the team.

Future Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield

Credit: Imago Images

Sinfield also coached Borthwick’s title-winning Leicester Tigers and said at the time that he wanted his next role to be in coaching, saying: “Do I still want to coach? Yes.”

“(It will be) training all the way. I want to continue to support and help people.

“When what happened with Rob (Burrow) happened, it was a big change in my life and it felt right to use my experience as a player to help support players and other people. I’m trying to make the best of it moving forward. I won’t rule anything out at this stage. I think it’s very unlikely that I’ll be back in rugby league, but I’ll never say no.”

A new role would likely be on a consulting basis, giving him plenty of time to explore options elsewhere.

Although he said it was unlikely, this could be within rugby league if the right opportunity comes along.