McDermott reveals Sinfield’s longheld desire to play RU

Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott has stated that Kevin Sinfield has had a longstanding wish to play rugby union at some stage.

The Leeds skipper yesterday confirmed that he would be leaving the Rhinos at the end of the current campaign, and joining rugby union outfit Yorkshire Carnegie.

“Kev has always had a desire to play rugby union. He’s always been a fan of the game,” McDermott told Rhinos TV.

“Yorkshire Carnegie are in a really exciting position.

“On that level it fits.”

McDermott admits that the news of Sinfield’s exit from the Rhinos has been hard for many at the club to come to terms with.

He feels that Sinfield has made a good decision, however.

“I don’t think it has made a bigger announcement in its recent history,” he said.

“It’s a big moment, there’s lots of information to take in, and lots of things to consider.

“It’s something that the club’s known about for several weeks, I’ve known about it for two weeks.

“There was an element of surprise, but, as soon as you give it some consideration, you realise that it fits.”