Rugby news today: A legend declares his retirement and England will appoint a new coach following heartbreak in the World Cup

These are the rugby headlines on Monday morning, October 23.

Kevin Sinfield to be axed

After losing to South Africa in the World Cup semifinal on Saturday, it has been reported that England is getting ready to part ways amicably with their defense coach, Kevin Sinfield.

Although Sinfield has just recently joined the England Rugby Union, head coach Steve Borthwick is reportedly taking the axe in his attempt to reconstruct the national team in his image.

Felix Jones, the defense coach for South Africa, will take over for Sinfield, who assisted Borthwick in winning the Premiership title with the Leicester Tigers, as reported by The Telegraph.

The Irishman Felix Jones, who has been the Springboks’ defense coach for the past five years, will also strengthen the coaching staff, according to The Telegraph.

Like Borthwick, Felix Jones is a coach who is detail-oriented; in the 2019 championship game, it was Jones’ defensive play calling that ultimately led to Farrell’s demise.

And it’s highly likely that, as part of a mutual agreement, Kevin Sinfield, the current England defense coach who joined the team from Leicester with Borthwick but lacks the expertise to have a big impact on the Test stage, will leave after his arrival in January.

Wayne Barnes to referee Rugby World Cup final

According to reports, Wayne Barnes will oversee the Rugby World Cup final. The man who is commonly considered the greatest in the world would be receiving the honor for the first time.

In Test rugby history, Barnes is the referee with the most experience. Tom Foley, a Premiership colleague, is rumored to be his television match official (TMO) supporter.

The formal announcement on the assistant referees for the championship match and the officials for the England vs. Argentina third-place play-off will be postponed in order to allow Jaco Peyper maximum time to heal from a calf injury.

The South African hobbled off during Wales’ quarter final against Argentina last week.

Courtney Lawes to retire

Rugby legend Courtney Lawes of England has stated that he would be retiring from international play next weekend. It will be his final game for England on Friday night in the third play playoff encounter against Argentina.

The 34-year-old is one of just five Englishmen to have 100 caps. He has participated in four World Cups and two tours with the British and Irish Lions.

“I think it’s time,” he remarked. I’m content with my four World Cup appearances.”Steve hasn’t heard from me yet! However, I will inform him.

“It marks the end of an era for me, but I am truly honored to have represented England for such a long time.” Time flies. I’m happy with the path I’ve taken. I will always cherish being able to conclude with this bunch.”

“We showed to everyone what it means to play for this team,” the vice captain of England continued. Play for the boys who are with you and for your country.

“We wish to end successfully. It’s critical that we complete well and send everyone home with a victory.”

South Africa injury free for final

Coach of the Springboks forwards, Deon Davids, has disclosed that his team survived Saturday’s intense match against England. “We have no report of any injuries,” he stated. “Everybody is doing OK. Although we will follow the standard procedures for medical care and recuperation today, we are currently all set to go for the upcoming week.”

Regarding England’s Tom Curry’s allegations that he was subjected to racial abuse during Saturday’s intense semifinal match, Davids declined to comment. “It was never mentioned, so I am not aware of any comments. I’m not sure,” he remarked.

Prior to the World Cup, the coach swiftly turned his attention to getting ready for the match against New Zealand, a team they defeated handily at Twickenham.

“It will be a completely different game,” he stated. “A lot of lessons will have been learned by both teams. Rugby is being played really well by New Zealand. We’ll try to outwit one another as much as possible. This will be a new match with new rules, vying for the world rugby championship. We shall deceive ourselves if we gaze too deeply into the past and fail to stay present. We’ll concentrate on what needs to be done while remembering that we’re up against a strong foe.”

“There are strengths in both teams’ game strategies, but there may also be parallels in our perspectives as players,” he continued.

“In terms of experience, X-factor, and preferred playing locations and styles, both teams are comparable. It will be a fierce struggle to outwit one another and gain the upper hand.

“The key will be possession, positioning yourself well, and seizing the moment. There will be a fierce war. These, in my opinion, were the factors that helped the teams advance to the championship. The squad that performs the best and mentally prepares to adjust to the circumstances will emerge victorious in this competition.”