Kevin Sinfield joins England rugby league coach panel
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- Kevin Sinfield was named to the interview panel that will advise on appointing a new England rugby league head coach after Shaun Wane resigned following a whitewash loss to Australia in the Ashes.
- Sara Symington – a former RFL non‑executive director and double Olympian – joined the panel, bringing performance‑advisor experience from UK Sport, Archery GB, England Netball, UK Athletics and British Cycling.
- Abi Ekoku, interim RFL chief executive, sits on the panel, drawing on his background as Great Britain team manager during the 2006 Tri‑Nations win over Australia.
- Nigel Wood, RFL chair, highlighted the panel’s role in finding a “world‑class” coach from the Super League and NRL to lead England into the upcoming World Cup.
- England will be led by a part‑time head coach for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off with a match against Tonga on 20 October, followed by games versus France and Papua New Guinea.
- Marc Lovering, RFL executive director of performance and participation, will provide support to the panel as they interview candidates and narrow down the shortlist.
Why it matters: The RFL gains a structured, high‑profile selection process that could boost England’s chances at the 2026 World Cup, while the vacancy left by Shaun Wane creates pressure to find a ‘world‑class’ coach quickly and signals a fresh strategic direction for the national side.
