Kevin Sinfield knighted in King’s Birthday Honours

Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield has been awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours for his services to sport and his extraordinary fundraising efforts for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) community. The 45-year-old former Leeds Rhinos and England captain becomes only the second rugby league player to be knighted, following Sir Billy Boston, who received the honour last year.

Sinfield’s knighthood recognises a career that saw him lead Leeds to seven Super League titles and his subsequent, widely-publicised charity work. He has raised more than £11 million for MND-related causes, inspired by his close friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2019 and died in the summer of 2024.

In a statement, Sinfield said he was deeply honoured and grateful to receive the award on behalf of the rugby and MND communities. He expressed particular pride in following Sir Billy Boston and noted that the MND community represents the very best of people. Sinfield pledged to continue his advocacy, stating that more needs to be done for the approximately 5,000 people living with MND in the UK.

Lindsey Burrow, Rob Burrow’s widow, congratulated Sinfield on...