Richard Wigglesworth has paid tribute to “close ally” Kevin Sinfield for a transformational coaching job with England.
Defence coach Sinfield could yet opt to depart the England set-up after the World Cup, though it is thought that boss Steve Borthwick would want to keep one of his chief allies in the camp.
Felix Jones will join the England coaching team after concluding the World Cup with South Africa, with the former Ireland full-back's specific role still to be nailed down.
Sinfield has proved vital to England’s emotional and mental preparations, as well as building the Red Rose defence steadily across his time in charge.
England are not thought to have made any final calls on their full coaching make-up after the World Cup, save for the fact that Borthwick will be at the helm for the long-term.
Attack coach Wigglesworth has relished working with Sinfield at first Leicester and now the national side. And Wigglesworth hopes that will continue in the future too.
“Kev is a close ally of mine from Leicester,” said Wigglesworth. “We were two guys who lived away from the club, so we would travel and stay over. I spent a lot of time with him, and even more time with him through this whole process.
“I’m very close to him so I’m probably incredibly biased about what Kev brings but I’m sure the lads in the environment will tell you that he gives absolutely everything, has a big impact on individuals and gives up a lot of his time to help.
“We know he’s that sort of person and he’s done an exceptional job of doing it.”
England will face Argentina in Friday night’s third-place play-off at the World Cup, rounding off an ultimately productive tournament. Borthwick’s men will go all-out for victory against the Pumas, in a bid to finish third and claim the bronze medal.
England should have a clean bill of health for the Paris fixture, which means Marcus Smith will be available to return after sitting out the 16-15 semi-final defeat by South Africa after failing head-injury protocols.
Wigglesworth insisted England must now take this match completely seriously, while also admitting no one ultimately wants to fall at the semi-final hurdle.
“This is not the week you want to be playing in, you can be honest and say this isn’t the game that these two teams were aiming to play,” said Wigglesworth. “But we could already be at home, and we’re not. So if you’re asking where would you rather be, you’d rather be here still participating in a World Cup.
“We’ve seen progress in this tournament, and while that isn’t smooth progress, we’re pleased and proud of the players.
“If we get Friday night right and do the job to the best of our ability, then we have a chance of leaving the competition with some tangible reward and some satisfaction for all of the hard work.”
