Sinfield has effectively been Borthwick’s No 2 throughout his time with England, but has grown frustrated over the last year at a lack of definition to his job. He was shifted from defence coach to a dual role encompassing skills and kicking following the arrival of Jones in January.
Sinfield is hugely popular with England’s players, who all want him to stay on. The RFU are hopeful he can be persuaded to do so, but have yet to reach an agreement over a new contract and Sinfield has not offered any guarantees over whether he will sign a new deal.
Borthwick is continuing to explore his options regarding a new defence coach to replace Jones, with Sinfield unlikely to return to that role. The former England rugby league captain is pushing for greater clarity over where he would fit into the coaching team, with negotiations set to continue.
Jones brought about significant improvements in England’s defence during his brief time working with the team, introducing a Springbok-style blitz approach which South Africa used to win the last two World Cups, with RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney admitting last week that his resignation was “deeply disappointing”. The 37-year-old has a 12-month notice period in his contract which the RFU could hold him to, but he is expected to leave at the end of the year.