Kevin Sinfield: Coach agrees deal to remain part of England set-up as Steve Borthwick hails 'inspirational figure'
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Published 08/10/2024 at 09:02 GMT+1
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Steve Borthwick has received a boost ahead of the 2024 Autumn Series, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, with the news that Kevin Sinfield will stay on as his assistant. Sinfield was set to depart but has reached an agreement to continue as a kicking and skills coach with a reduced workload that gives him "greater flexibility". Borthwick called Sinfield "a talented coach and inspirational figure".
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England head coach Steve Borthwick hailed Kevin Sinfield as an “inspirational figure” after it was announced he would remain part of England’s coaching set-up.
Sinfield, 44, was set to leave the national team ahead of the Autumn Series, but an agreement has now been reached for him to continue with a reduced workload.
The former rugby league star began his role with England as defence coach in 2023 but has more recently operated as a kicking and skills coach and squad mentor.
Sinfield will continue in this role from November, England Rugby announced on Monday, but “his contact time outside of Test windows and during match weeks will be reduced, allowing greater flexibility to balance other personal and professional commitments".
“Kevin is a talented coach and an inspirational figure in our set-up,” said Borthwick.
“The work he does on and off the field is invaluable to our players, so I am pleased he will remain part of the management team and continue to contribute towards the success of England Rugby.”
Sinfield will now look to help England’s cause when they kick off their Autumn Series in November, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
New Zealand, who defeated England twice in a summer tour this year, visit Twickenham on Saturday, November 2 for a blockbuster opening Test.
Borthwick’s side then face Australia, South Africa and Japan to complete an exciting and demanding set of fixtures.
“Working with Steve and the team has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I am excited to continue my involvement with the team,” Sinfield said.
“This new arrangement allows me to keep doing the thing that I’m passionate about, coaching and mentoring players, while also balancing other commitments which are important to me.”
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Sinfield has raised more than £10 million for Motor Neurone Disease research and charities since his late friend and former team-mate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the disease in 2019.
His fundraising efforts have included running seven marathons in seven days, and later in 2024 he will attempt to run more than 50 kilometres per day for a week while visiting towns and cities across the United Kingdom.
Sinfield has worked alongside Borthwick since 2021, when he was defence coach at Leicester Tigers as they stormed to the Gallagher Premiership title.
The pair moved on to England together in 2023, and the new arrangement will reportedly see Sinfield stay on with the national team through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Which Autumn Nations Series matches are on TNT Sports?
In April, it was announced that TNT Sports would broadcast every game of this year's Autumn Nations Series. Below is the full list of fixtures and kick-off times BST.
WEEK 1
November 2
- England v New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Scotland v Fiji, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
WEEK 2
November 8
- Ireland v New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 9
- England v Australia, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Italy v Argentina, Stadio Friuli, kick-off: 17:40
- France v Japan, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 10
- Wales v Fiji, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 13:40
- Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 16:10
WEEK 3
November 15
- Ireland v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 16
- Scotland v Portugal, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- England v South Africa, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
- France v New Zealand, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 17
- Italy v Georgia, TBC, kick-off: 13:40
- Wales v Australia, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 16:10
WEEK 4
November 22
- France v Argentina, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 23
- Ireland v Fiji, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Wales v South Africa, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
- Italy v New Zealand, Allianz Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 24
- Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 13:40
- England v Japan, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 16:10
WEEK 5
November 30
- Ireland v Australia, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
Stream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+
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