June 25, 2023| SPORTSCARDBLOGS| 0 Comment

England: Steve Borthwick named new head coach as Kevin Sinfield joins him at Twickenham

Steve Borthwick has been confirmed as England’s new head coach and is joined by Kevin Sinfield, who is defence coach at the Twickenham outfit.

The pair have been granted an early release from their contracts at Leicester Tigers as the Rugby Football Union (RFU) make big changes at Test level.

Borthwick takes over from Eddie Jones as head coach after the Australian was sacked this month following a disappointing run of results for England.

Five-year contract for Borthwick

The former second-row has signed a five-year contract as he looks to replicate the success he has enjoyed at current Premiership champions Leicester.

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“I’m deeply honoured to be appointed England head coach, and I’m very excited by the challenge,” the 57-times capped former international revealed.

“The English game is full of talent and I want to build a winning team which makes the most of our huge potential and inspires young people to fall in love with rugby union the way I did. I want the whole country to be proud of us and to enjoy watching us play.

“The hard work starts now and planning for the Guinness Six Nations and Rugby World Cup begins today. I will give it everything.”

RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Steve back to the RFU. He has been part of the England team for over 15 years and he is our first-choice successor to Eddie.

“Steve and Kevin’s insight and first-hand knowledge of the players will be a great asset and everyone at the RFU is right behind them with our full support.”

Sinfield, who played 26 rugby league Tests for England and 14 Tests for Great Britain, 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 has been defence coach alongside Borthwick in their record-breaking run at Leicester Tigers and follows him to Twickenham.

He 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.”

The RFU has confirmed that the wider coaching team to support Borthwick will be announced in the coming weeks.