Kevin Sinfield explained why he is quitting as England coach

In an interview with The Telegraph, Sinfield explained that his decision to leave is based on personal factors, though he remains committed to coaching in the future.

“I think you will understand my main focus is the team this week. I don’t want anything to disrupt our performance. They are personal reasons, and I think for that they need to remain private. I think it’s important my reasons are kept private for now,” Sinfield stated.

When asked about his future, he said: “Do I still want to coach? Yes. What that looks like, I’m not sure at this stage. I’m pretty excited about what’s to come this year with England, and then there is a lot of unknown for me and I don’t know what it looks like going forward. I’ll make the best of it. I don’t know where that is or what it looks like, but I’ve really enjoyed coaching.”

Despite these comments, Sinfield’s future with England remains uncertain as he has reportedly been offered a three-year extension.

It is believed that the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has intensified efforts to retain Sinfield in recent weeks, following the unexpected announcement of Felix Jones’ departure. Jones, who replaced Sinfield as England's defence coach ahead of the Six Nations, will leave his position later this year.

Sinfield's current contract with the RFU is set to expire in November, and he has yet to make a decision on whether he will sign a new deal. The 43-year-old, who joined the England set-up alongside Steve Borthwick from Leicester Tigers in December 2022, had initially planned to leave after the summer Tests in Japan and New Zealand but agreed to stay on for the upcoming autumn internationals against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Japan.

Owens said: Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch."

Owens said: "He was not only a great rugby player but also a great leader and a great man. Whenever I came across him on the field, he impressed me."

Owens said: "He’s right up on any list of rugby’s greatest players.

"Maybe he will be at the top for many people.

"New Zealand won something like nine out of every 10 games in which he led them, but the mark of Richie McCaw was how he conducted himself when the All Blacks lost."

Owens said: "I’m classing this as a joint-ticket as whenever I seemed to ref Ireland in their day O’Driscoll was captain and O’Connell was vice-skipper.

"O’Driscoll actually used to tell me if there were issues with the forwards then I should chat to O’Connell.

I found them excellent to deal with."

Owens said: "My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well."