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Steve Borthwick responds to speculation over Kevin Sinfield's England future
By Josh Raisey
Amid speculation that Steve Borthwick’s assistant coach Kevin Sinfield will step down from his England duties at the end of the World Cup, the head coach remained tight lipped when asked about the rumours this week.
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England head into their final match of the World Cup this Friday against Argentina in the bronze final- a repeat of their opening match of the tournament. Reports emerged after the semi-final loss to South Africa that the rugby league legend will be leaving Borthwick’s coaching staff after the World Cup with the imminent arrival of South Africa assistant coach Felix Jones.
When quizzed about Sinfield’s future after England’s captain’s run at the Stade de France on Thursday, Borthwick said that he has learnt in his time in charge of England that it is “unwise” to comment on all rumours that circulate.
“I’ve been in this job nine, 10 months,” the former Leicester Tigers head coach said. “One thing I’ve learnt very quickly it’s impossible and unwise to comment on every rumour and piece of speculation that is thrown out. I make no comment.”
Sinfield joined England as defence coach alongside Borthwick at the end of 2022 following the departure of Eddie Jones. Though it took a while to see results, Sinfield’s work with England has bore fruit this World Cup.
England have conceded the joint-fewest tries of any team at the World Cup, with seven, despite going deep into the tournament. On top of that, they completed 86% of the tackles against South Africa last weekend, their highest success-rate so far this World Cup, which shows the progress they have made throughout the tournament.
Having lost to England 27-10 on the opening weekend of the tournament, lock Maro Itoje is all too aware that the Pumas will be seeking revenge on Friday in Paris.
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“We are competing for third place at this World Cup, so there’s loads to be motivated about,” the Saracen said.
“I guess, from their point of view, we beat them earlier they’ll probably want to turn that around.
“It’s going to be a great contest. Two teams coming off the back of a loss wanting to get it right.”
I strongly suspect Sinfield will stay on
Sinfield has done a lot of successful coaching,both with England &Tigers
But I have always thought it would only be temporary.
He would be happier moving back to Wigan to continue with his charity work MND
So Sinfield is gone then, that's a shame and a bit odd.
Borthers would have fiercely denied this otherwise.
Sad to see him go after the England effort Vs SA… from a physicality and defensive point of view we're making progress.