Sinfield appointed as RFL’s rugby director

The RFL have confirmed that Kevin Sinfield has been appointed as the governing body’s new rugby director, with the former star beginning the role on September 1.

Sinfield will spend some of his working time at the performance and development department at Red Hall, the RFL’s headquarters in Leeds.

The rest of his time will be spent at the commercial, marketing and communications teams, which are based at Media City UK in Manchester. 

Part of the former Leeds Rhinos stand off’s work will involve leading the review of the RFL performance strategy, as well as assisting with devising a four-year England 2021 World Cup performance plan.

Sinfield is also set to lead the review of England‘s performance in the forthcoming Four Nations tournament, and will report back to the RFL board.

Overall, Sinfield’s focus will be on business development, event support and post-career player development.

RFL CEO Nigel Wood is delighted that Sinfield will be working within rugby league in the UK.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to attract someone with the experience and calibre of Kevin Sinfield to join the RFL,” he said.

“The 20 years Kevin has spent as a player at the very highest level of the game will provide us with incredible insight and having spoken to him at length about the opportunity to work with us, I know that he is determined to make as much of a difference off the pitch to the sport of Rugby League as he did on it.

“This appointment is one of a number of significant executive announcements that we will be making in the coming months.”

Sinfield echoed Wood’s delight.

“I’m delighted to be joining The RFL,” he said.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity and really excited about working with some talented people. I’m aiming to help our sport achieve great things in the coming years both domestically and internationally.

“I believe it’s important for our sport to have a strong international set up. With the World Cup next year in Australia and then potentially on home soil again in 2021 the coming years could be really positive for rugby league.

“There are some incredible personalities in rugby league who have a great mix of experience and knowledge.

“Hopefully by taking on this role it will encourage other players, both former and current, who have aspirations of furthering their careers to come and pursue a new pathway at the RFL.”