Kevin Sinfield has backed five rugby league stars to play for England

His time in rugby union was brief but intriguing, with an 18-game stint at Yorkshire Carnegie in the 2015-2016 season.

His transition to coaching has been equally successful, and he now shares his thoughts on how some of England’s top rugby league talents could shine in rugby union.

Sinfield is backing Ash Handley, one of England’s standout wingers, as a potential cross-code star. Handley’s blistering pace and lethal finishing ability could translate well into rugby union, where his flair and agility would be a real asset out wide.

Matty Ashton is another name Sinfield has singled out as having the talent to make the jump to union. Ashton’s dynamic running style and ability to break through defences could see him excel in rugby union’s wide channels, where quick thinking and speed are crucial.

Known for his power and direct running, Harry Newman is a centre who’s drawn attention for his potential to transition into rugby union. Sinfield believes his physicality and ability to read the game could see Newman make a seamless switch, bringing his explosive talent to the 15-man game.

George Williams, the England rugby league captain and Warrington Wolves half-back, is another player that Sinfield sees as having the skills to thrive in rugby union. As a playmaker with a sharp rugby IQ, Williams could be a creative force in the fly-half or scrum-half position, providing slick ball distribution and a kicking game that would suit union’s tactical style.

Jack Welsby, the versatile full-back for St Helens, has all the attributes to succeed in rugby union. With his exceptional positional play, speed, and ability to read the game, Welsby could fit well into union’s backfield, bringing flair and skill to the full-back role.

Rugby is a sport of grit, skill, and resilience, and it’s the players who endure season after season, test after test, who embody these qualities best. Today, we’re counting down the top 100 men’s capped players in rugby history – athletes whose dedication to their teams has etched their names into the record books.

From powerhouse props to fleet-footed wings, these players have amassed an astonishing number of caps, representing their countries time and again on the world’s biggest stage. Whether they’ve thrilled fans with dazzling runs, anchored the scrum, or inspired with steadfast leadership, each has contributed to the legacy of rugby in unforgettable ways.