Former England captain and Golden Boot winner Kevin Sinfield has spoken about his gratitude after becoming just the second rugby league player to be awarded a Knighthood.
Sinfield, who has been affectionally nicknamed Sir Kev by fans, received the official recognition in Great Britain's King’s Birthday Honours, just two years after Sir Billy Boston.
In a glittering career, Sinfield captained Leeds Rhinos to 15 major honours in an 18-year career, while also captaining England, representing Great Britain and winning the prestigious Golden Boot award in 2012.
Since his retirement in 2015, Sinfield has become an inspirational campaigner for Motor Neurone Disease after his close friend and team-mate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the debilitating disease that Jai Arrow is now fighting.
Rugby league stands as one in support of Jai Arrow
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the rugby and MND communities," Sinfield said. “Since I first played rugby when I was seven, Rugby League has given me so much.
"I am particularly proud to follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Billy Boston with Rugby League’s second ever knighthood in over 130 years of the sport. Sir Billy overcame so much in his life and is still loved by the game.
“I was privileged to play with some great players for my club and country and made friendships for life.
"That is the special thing about rugby, of either code; the team-mates you make on the pitch are by your side off the field long after you hang up your boots. That is something I always say to young boys and girls when they ask about playing rugby and the bonds you make, through the good and the tough times."
Sinfield was awarded an MBE in 2014 in recognition of his outstanding playing career and subsequently an OBE in 2021 for his work in raising awareness and funds for those impacted by MND.
In 2024, Sinfield and Burrow were awarded a CBE for their contribution to the MND community and Rugby League. The Prince of Wales, HRH Prince William, visited AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium to conduct the investiture in January 2024.
Sinfield's annual 7 in 7 Challenges began in 2020 and has so far raised over £11m for MND charities in the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The seventh and final challenge will start on Sunday 27th September in Hull, running an ultra-marathon every day for seven days and finishing ahead of kick off of the Betfred Super League Grand Final in front of 70,000 fans at Old Trafford.
Seven in Seven: Sinfield's inspiring effort for Burrow
Sinfield and the team will visit all 12 English Super League grounds on their journey.
“My playing career was everything I could ever have dreamed of as a young man but the last seven years have given me so much inspiration," he said.
"The MND community are the very best of us and it has been my privilege to support them and put their battle on the stage it needs.
"As always, I continue to be inspired by the courage that Rob Burrow showed in his battle with the disease and he is never far from my thoughts.
“We have raised so much awareness and funds to support families and aid research but more needs to be done.
"We have to continue the fight for the 5,000 people who are living with MND in the UK today and the six people who will be diagnosed tomorrow and the next day.
"I am pleased that this honour allows me to continue to raise awareness and I am looking forward to joining up with the 7 in 7 team again in September for our seventh and final annual challenge.
“I would like to thank my family for their wonderful support and all those who have given me their support over the years, I am incredibly grateful.”
Rob Burrow’s wife, Lindsey Burrow, welcomed the news of Sinfield’s recognition.
“On behalf of the whole Burrow family, I would like to congratulate Kevin on his knighthood, we are all delighted for him and I can not think of a more deserving recipient," she said.
"Kevin did so much for Rob but also the whole MND community with raising awareness and funds to support families and aid research.
"I know he has said he is dedicated to supporting the MND community for however long it takes to find a cure and that means so much to so many people to have a champion like Kevin in their corner.
"As Rob used to say, everyone should have a friend like Kevin and so many people will be pleased to see him get this recognition.”
Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE added his congratulations on behalf of the club Sinfield played 521 matches for during an 18-year career.
He also played 26 Tests for England, including the 2000, 2008 and 2013 World Cups, as well as 14 Tests for Great Britain.
"I was fortunate to stand alongside Kevin for so many years in the heat of battle but also the quiet of a dressing room, in good times and tough moments," Jones-Buchanan said.
"He was the cultural architect of a special generation of players in our game’s history, he embodies everything that is great about Rugby League; his humbleness, his determination, his authenticity.
"For him to become only our second every Knight in over 130 years, following in the footsteps of the legendary Sir Billy Boston only recently, says a great deal about how he has changed the landscape for our sport.
"He was a wonderful team mate, an inspiring captain but most importantly he remains a great friend and I am so proud today for him that he has been recognised by the nation in this way.”
