Kevin Sinfield aiming to end memorable career on fitting high with Carnegie promotion

HE HAS enjoyed one of modern rugby's greatest careers, but Kevin Sinfield's sights are set on a final monumental achievement.
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The former Leeds Rhinos and England rugby league captain has confirmed he will hang up his boots at the end of Yorkshire Carnegie’s rugby union Championship campaign.

With the Headingley-based side preparing to host county rivals Doncaster in a play-off semi-final first leg on Sunday, Sinfield has an opportunity to bow out by helping them back into the Premiership.

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“The next four weeks could be really special,” said Sinfield, who joined Yorkshire from their rugby league sister club last November.

Yokshire Carnegie's 
Kevin Sinfield.Yokshire Carnegie's 
Kevin Sinfield.
Yokshire Carnegie's Kevin Sinfield.

“There is still a lot of rugby to be played and my focus is fully on the game this weekend.

“I really hope I can walk away from Carnegie knowing we did a great job over these next four weeks.”

Winning the play-off final would mirror the end to Sinfield’s Rhinos career, in last year’s Super League title decider.

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That was Sinfield’s seventh’s Grand Final win and he also led Leeds to the World Club Challenge three times and two Challenge Cup successes.

Yokshire Carnegie's 
Kevin Sinfield.Yokshire Carnegie's 
Kevin Sinfield.
Yokshire Carnegie's Kevin Sinfield.

The third-highest points scorer in rugby league history, Sinfield described his playing career, which began as a 16-year-old in 1997, as an “incredible journey”.

He said: “I feel very, very fortunate to have played for two fantastic teams, at two great clubs. After my time at the Rhinos I am really proud I was courageous enough to go and have a bash at rugby union.

“I have really enjoyed the challenge, but I think the time is right for me. I would rather go too early and it be on my terms than stay on playing too long.”

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Sinfield, who has a Masters degree in sport business, said he does not yet have a job to go to, but confirmed he would “love to” stay at Headingley in some capacity, though he has initially ruled out a coaching role.

“The obvious one would be playing a part with the Rhinos, given my 19 years there,” he said.

“It may be a dual role we can work out with Carnegie as well. That’s something I’d be keen to pursue, but we’ll have to see. I don’t want any favours, I don’t want anybody out of loyalty offering me a role.

“It needs to be a role that benefits everybody and we will see what happens.”

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Yorkshire Carnegie coach Bryan Redpath paid tribute to Sinfield for his contribution this year.

The 35-year-old had never played a game of rugby union before his debut for the club and Redpath said: “It has been a new challenge, coming into a different game and adjusting to that.

“He adapted very quickly at the start. Other teams have tried targeting him a bit to put him off his stride, but his calming influence has been great.

“He has had some good games, some mixed ones and some bad ones, but he has been an ultimate professional to work with.”