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Tom Hamilton, Senior Writer
Kevin Sinfield will continue his role with the England men’s rugby team with his responsibilities tweaked.
Rugby league legend Sinfield joined the England setup under Steve Borthwick ahead of the 2023 Six Nations.
His first role was as defence coach, but that transitioned into a task focusing on improving individual skills and kicking, alongside a squad mentoring role.
Sinfield has extended his contract with the RFU, but his new deal will see him reduce his responsibilities “allowing the 44-year-old greater flexibility to balance other personal and professional commitments,” according to the RFU.
“Kevin is a talented coach and an inspirational figure in our set-up,” Borthwick said. “The work he does on and off the field is invaluable to our players, so I am pleased he’ll remain part of the management team and continue to contribute towards the success of England rugby.”
Sinfield added: “Working with Steve and the team has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I am excited to continue my involvement with the team.
“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.”
Sinfield has been a passionate campaigner for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research and charities, so far raising £10 million ($13m).
His fundraising efforts began when his former rugby league teammate and friend Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019.
Burrow died in June, but Sinfield’s fundraising continues.
Later this year he will embark on his latest challenge as he attempts to run over 50km every day for a week, visiting towns and cities across Great Britain and Northern Ireland including Liverpool, Wrexham, Gloucester, Belfast, Stirling, Glasgow, Hull, Northampton, Leicester and Manchester.