Between then on the rugby field, Leeds Rhinos legends Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow have 15 Grand Final winners rings, a pair of runners up rings, four Challenge Cup winners medals, 10 runners up medals, six World Club Challenge winners medals and seven runners up medals, four Harry Sunderland Awards, a Lance Todd Trophy and a Golden Boot but one thing alludes them both.
This is of course a knighthood. Throughout his career, Leeds fans affectionately referred to Sinfield as Sir Kev but it has been the work from the duo in the last four years that really needs to be recognised.
In December 2019, Rob Burrow has diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Since then he has become an inspiration for the MND community allowing his life and struggles to be documented to raise awareness and be a beacon of hope to others.
As for Sinfield, he has completed challenge after challenge to raise money for MND charities raising over £15 million in total.
Yet they have again missed out on knighthoods only receiving CBEs.
Now the celebrity community have shared their dismay. Former rugby union player Will Carling said:
“Why hasn’t Kevin Sinfield been knighted? He has gone above and beyond in terms of physical challenges, has been a role model for friendship and sacrifice – what more could anyone ask? I hoped this us exactly what the Honours system was for…”
Former BBC presenter Matthew Stadlen echoed this saying: “Agreed and that’s without mentioning his stellar career in rugby league, his role in Leicester Tigers winning the Premiership and steering England to the cusp of a Rugby World Cup Final.”
Another BBC presenter in Dan Walker added:
“Love the fact he has been honoured but does anyone else thing it should be ‘Sir Kevin Sinfield?’ Can’t think of anyone more deserving. He has shown all of us the true meaning of friendship and raised millions for his pal and transformed awareness along the way.”
Whilst Sky Sports’ Scarlett Archer added: “They both should be knighted.”
Unfortunately, the duo have only been given CBEs which is the highest honour one can receive without getting a knighthood.
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