LEGEND Kevin Sinfield insists his move to Leicester Tigers does not mean he is done with rugby league.

Saddleworth great ‘Sir Kev’ this week announced he was stepping down as director of rugby at Leeds Rhinos to become the defence coach at the Gallagher Premiership club.

Sinfield admitted he had thought long and hard about the decision but was frustrated at being bogged down by “red tape” in his Headingley role.

The 40-year-old won seven Super League titles and two Challenge Cups during an illustrious playing career with Leeds and does not expect his move to end his involvement in rugby league.

He said: “My heart and my head will remain firmly in rugby league. The sport has given me everything I’ve got, it’s given me the best memories and friendships I could ever wish for.

“I played the sport since I was seven. It still means everything to me and that will remain.

“There are a number of former players this sport has who don’t work in the sport but continue to be great ambassadors and champion rugby league. I’d love to be one of those.”

Taking on a more hands-on coaching role is something that appeals to Sinfield and he feels the plight of former team-mate Rob Burrow, who is now living with motor neurone disease, has helped inform his decision.

“I just feel I am too far away from the rugby, too far away from performance,” said Sinfield, who captured public imagination last December when he raised more than £2million for the MND Association by running seven marathons in seven days.

“I think I have certainly got some perspective from Rob. It has hammered it home to me you have got to do something you truly enjoy and get satisfaction from and that’s where I find myself.”