Legend Sinfield's 'special moment' as he lands England RU defence coach job

Oldham-born and raised Kevin Sinfield has been announced as England Rugby Union men’s defence coach.

Sinfield links up with the national team following the appointment of Steve Borthwick as England men's new head coach.

Rugby league legend Sinfield said: “It is a special moment to join England as a coach.

"I know what representing your country means and to get the chance to do it as a coach is a real honour.

“There is so much player talent in England and I am really looking forward to working with the wider squad of players to see what we can achieve together, especially with such a massive year ahead of us. 

“I’d like to thank everyone at Leicester Tigers, the players, staff and supporters, for welcoming me to the club. 

"I’ve loved my time there and wish them all the best for the rest of the season. 

“I’m looking forward to getting started and there’s no better opening campaign than the Guinness Six Nations.” 

Newly-appointed head coach Borthwick was joined by RFU CEO Bill Sweeney at a press conference at Twickenham Stadium today (Monday). 

Sinfield was unable to attend the conference due to being at a memorial service celebrating the life of Doddie Weir.

In his absence, Borthwick said: "I'm delighted Kevin has joined us.

"In any of the best teams I've played in and coached, you have a group who work so hard for each other, they play together, celebrate together and lift each other up. 

"Kevin Sinfield embodies that ethos.

"He's the type of person you want in that environment.

"Kevin is an incredible bloke and I think he's an even better human being."

Sinfield started playing Rugby League at Waterhead ARLFC. 

He was a player, captain and director of rugby for Leeds Rhinos where he led the team to seven Super League championships and two Challenge Cup successes.

He was a loose forward as well as a stand-off.

He played 26 rugby league tests for England, and 14 tests for Great Britain.

He holds the record for the highest points-scorer in Super League history and earned many individual accolades, including the Lance Todd Trophy (2005), Harry Sunderland Trophy (2009, 2012) and the Golden Boot (2012). 

Sinfield had been defence coach alongside Borthwick in their record-breaking run at Leicester Tigers.  

Sinfield was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2014 Birthday Honours for services to rugby league, and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2021 Birthday Honours for services to rugby league football and charitable fundraising.

He has raised over £7m for charity and championed research in support of ex-Leeds teammate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

His fundraising also honours former rugby union player Doddie Weir and former footballer Stephen Darby, both of whom were diagnosed with MND. 

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