Legendary former Leeds Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield has played down suggestions he could one day follow Shaun Edwards and Andy Farrell by coaching rugby union at international level. Sinfield is proving a resounding success in the 15-a-side code after quitting as director of rugby at Headingley in the summer of 2021 to become defence coach at Leicester Tigers.
Not only did ‘Sir Kev’ help the Tigers to their first Premiership title for nine years last season, they also achieved the unprecedented distinction of topping the table after every round of the campaign. The list of ex-league greats to have made their mark as a union coach is endless – Phil Larder, Edwards, Farrell, Mike Ford, Graham Steadman, Paul Deacon, Mike Forshaw and Martin Gleeson.
Even Brett Hodgson, after two fairly disastrous seasons in charge of Hull FC, was recently recruited by Eddie Jones as England’s new defence coach. Yet Sinfield, when asked about his own international ambitions, said: “I try and take it day by day by thinking about where I am now and how I can get better.
“Part of the reason I came here to Leicester was because Steve [Borthwick] wanted to improve every day. I’m of a very similar mindset, but also to see what comes – although I never have any plans for the future.
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“If something doesn’t feel right I’ll stop doing it and I’ll move on and go and take on a different challenge. At this moment in time, I want to help the players here at Leicester and do my best for the club to support Steve in the best way possible. I’m quite happy where I am and am just trying to get better every day.”
Edwards and Farrell, born and bred Wiganers who made their names in the famous cherry and white jersey, have become two of the most respected coaches in rugby union.
Sinfield, who skippered Leeds to seven Super League titles, said he did not even deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence as Edwards.
The 42-year-old insisted: “I don’t think a comparison with Shaun Edwards is too fair on Shaun – I think he’s far ahead of where I’m at. He’s probably been doing it twenty years now along with someone like Andy Farrell, who has been doing it for a long, long time now.
“I started out fresh last year, I’m just over 12 months in and love the environment of working with Steve and the other coaches at Leicester. They have helped me to move forward and improve each day. I really enjoyed my playing career in rugby league and there were some bits I picked up along the way that I thought might be useful in this environment. I’ll keep trying to improve those and use them to make us better.
“Like I said, what Shaun Edwards has been able to achieve is wonderful and he’s had a fantastic career. It’s probably a bit unfair on Shaun to use me in the same sentence.”
Sinfield left Leeds in August 2021 after growing unhappy in his role and joining Leicester gave him a new lease of life. He loves his hands-on coaching role alongside Borthwick, who has been touted as possible successor to Red Rose boss Jones.
The Lancastrian still lives in his native Oldham, as he did during his playing career at Leeds, but has overnight stays in Leicester during the week. Sinfield explained: “Everyone in Oldham treats me like they did when I was a kid.
“Being at Leicester is a little bit different but I tend to stay down one or two nights a week. It allows me to get a lot of work done during the evenings and spend some time with the other coaches who stay down here as well. We’re able to talk shop, so it’s been a really enjoyable journey so far for me. I came here for the challenge and I certainly got one.
“I wanted to be out of my comfort zone and try something new. This was a great environment in which to learn and get better. I love working with Steve – he’s the most driven person I’ve ever met and he’s a fantastic coach.
“The set-up here is one that has improved me as a person and I’ve loved being here. I’ve really enjoyed working with a wonderful group of players.”
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