England’s players are pushing for the soon-to-depart Kevin Sinfield to remain involved as a key member of Steve Borthwick’s coaching staff. The former rugby league player is due to leave his role after the current tour to Japan and New Zealand but the captain, Jamie George, is keen for him to stay.
Sinfield, 43, has stepped back from his original job as England’s defence coach following the recruitment of Felix Jones but is understood to be considering his options after conversations with Borthwick. George, speaking ahead of Saturday’s Test against Japan, says the entire squad would like him to continue.
“I couldn’t be keener for him to stay,” said George. “The role he’s playing at the minute is absolutely invaluable and he’s an absolutely incredible man and coach. In terms of the role he’s playing in this team it’s been amazing to see.”
George also says he can see similarities between the coaching ability of Sinfield and Andy Farrell, who will be leading the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia next year.
“He probably reminds me of Andy Farrell in that he’s got such an amazing understanding of our defence and then also the attacking side of the game. That’s why it made him such a good defence coach, as the attack worked so well.
“He’s also become a mentor to a lot of the younger players. It can be very difficult on a tour like this when you’re not selected when you hope to be selected. Kev is the person who puts the arm around the shoulder.”
Regan Grace has been described as an 'X-factor' player following his shock call-up to Wales' summer training squad. Former rugby league star Grace [pictured], who has only played two senior games of union, could now travel to Australia for a tour highlighted by Tests against the Wallabies on 6 and 13 July.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland will finalise his travelling group after Saturday's Twickenham clash against South Africa. He is expected to cut the current training squad by five or six players, but Grace is firmly in contention after Ospreys wing Keelan Giles was released because of a groin injury.
Grace, who signed a contract with Bath in April, would not have been eligible for the Springboks encounter as it falls outside World Rugby's summer Test window and Wales' England-based players cannot be considered for selection. The 27-year-old scored 89 tries for St Helens and won three Super League titles.
'We have lost a few in the back three and he has got speed. He has got that X-factor,' Wales assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys said. 'It is great to get him in the environment and get to know him a bit better. You can't buy what he has got and we are excited to have him here ... he can make things happen.' PA Media
Sinfield is currently mourning the recent death of his great friend Rob Burrow and extra funding would also have to be found if he is to be retained in a consultancy role. England’s attack coach Richard Wigglesworth, however, is another firm fan and hopes he will stick around.
“I’ve loved working with Kev both as a professional and as a friend,” said Wigglesworth. “That will be great if that doesn’t change but Kev has made his decision. If that changes I will be delighted. He wants to help people and as a coach he helps us immensely. It would be great if he was around but I just want Kev to be happy in everything he is doing.”
