England coach set to be axed after World Cup - report

Steve Borthwick is set to part ways with defence coach Kevin Sinfield at the end of the World Cup, according to The Telegraph. 

It has been reported that the rugby league legend will move on after England’s third place play-off on Friday, with his role being filled by South Africa assistant coach Felix Jones. The Irishman has been part of the Springboks set-up for over four years now, helping them win the World Cup in 2019 as a defence consultant.

The former Munster player’s move to England was announced at the end of the Six Nations this year, and while there has been no confirmation yet as to what role he will play in Borthwick’s coaching team (being announced as an assistant coach), The Telegraph believe it is in place of Sinfield, who will move on as part of a “mutual agreement”.

England post-match media briefing – World Cup semifinal

England post-match media briefing – World Cup semifinal

The report said: “The coaching set-up will also be bolstered by the recruitment of Felix Jones, the Irishman who is currently the defence coach with the Springboks for the last five years.

“Felix Jones is a coach obsessed with detail in a similar fashion to Borthwick – it was his defensive strategy that plotted the downfall of Farrell in the 2019 final.

“And his arrival in January will almost certainly see Kevin Sinfield, England’s current defence coach who joined the set-up from Leicester with Borthwick but has lacked the experience to make a significant impact on the Test stage, move on as part of a mutual agreement.”

Sinfield joined England alongside Borthwick at the end of last year following Eddie Jones’ dismissal. The pair had won the Gallagher Premiership with Leicester Tigers earlier that year, but endured a tough introduction to Test rugby during the Six Nations, including a record 53-10 loss to France at Twickenham. However, they have a chance to finish third in the World Cup this Friday when they face Argentina.