Sir Kevin Sinfield: 10 Things You Need To Know About Rugby’s Newest Knight
Rugby NewsFriday, 12 June 2026 at 07:06
Rugby legend Kevin Sinfield is finally set to receive a knighthood in recognition of his extraordinary fundraising efforts in memory of his late friend and teammate Rob Burrow.
RUCK understands the 45-year-old is expected to be honoured in the King's Birthday Honours list after raising more than £11 million for motor neurone disease (MND) charities following Burrow's diagnosis with the devastating condition in 2019. This has also been reported by The Mirror.
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Calls for Sinfield to be knighted have grown louder in recent years, with the former Leeds Rhinos and England star inspiring millions through a series of gruelling fundraising challenges.
Earlier this week, Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle described him as "a rugby league legend who should be Sir Kevin Sinfield".
Sinfield and Burrow's friendship captured the hearts of the nation, with one of the most emotional moments coming at the 2023 Leeds Marathon when Sinfield pushed Burrow around the entire course in a specially adapted wheelchair before carrying him across the finish line.
The pair became symbols of courage, resilience and friendship throughout Burrow's battle with MND, with Sinfield's tireless efforts helping raise unprecedented awareness and funding for research into the disease.
A knighthood would represent fitting recognition for a man whose impact has stretched far beyond the rugby field.
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in 2022 — a sign that he had become much more than just a rugby player.
Here are 10 quirky facts about Kevin Sinfield that go beyond the usual trophy list:
1. He played over 500 games for just one club
In an era of transfers and big-money moves, Sinfield spent his entire professional rugby league career with the Leeds Rhinos, making more than 500 appearances and becoming arguably the greatest captain in the club's history.
2. His son is following in his footsteps
Kevin's son, Jack Sinfield, is a professional rugby league player himself, having come through the Leeds Rhinos system before moving to Wakefield Trinity.
3. He's a football fan at heart
Despite becoming a rugby icon, Sinfield grew up supporting Oldham Athletic and regularly attended matches before his own sporting career took off.
4. He switched rugby codes late in his career
After becoming a Leeds Rhinos legend, he surprised many by moving to rugby union with Yorkshire Carnegie in 2015, proving he wasn't afraid of a new challenge.
5. He was runner-up to Andy Murray
In 2015, Sinfield became the first rugby league player ever shortlisted for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, finishing second to Andy Murray.
6. His brother was an international rugby player too
Rugby runs in the family. Kevin's older brother, Ian Sinfield, represented Scotland in rugby league.
7. He has completed some ridiculous endurance challenges
Since Rob Burrow's MND diagnosis, Sinfield has run seven marathons in seven days, 101 miles in 24 hours, multiple ultra-marathons, and countless other fundraising feats.
8. He's raised more than most charities dream of
His fundraising efforts for motor neurone disease have helped generate well over £15 million and transformed awareness of the condition across the UK.
9. He's got an impressive honours collection
Sinfield has progressed from MBE to OBE and then CBE, a rare achievement that reflects both his sporting success and charitable work.
10. Desert Island Discs was one of his proudest appearances
Among all the Grand Finals and Challenge Cups, Sinfield has spoken fondly about being invited onto BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs
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