Kevin Sinfield on the lease of life that Rob Burrow has given him

In a reflective interview, Kevin Sinfield has explained that his experiences supporting Rob Burrow through his MND journey have given him a whole new perspective on life.

It was announced in December 2019 that Burrow had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, an announcement made by Burrow alongside Sinfield on the BBC.

Since that point Kevin Sinfield has been there in support of Rob Burrow with the two Leeds Rhinos teammates that formed such an important part of the club;s golden generation helping to continue to inspire a nation.

Along the way, Sinfield has undertaken multiple challenges with his most recent being the Seven in Seven in Seven challenge, seven ultra-marathons in seven cities across seven days.

In total over £8 million has been raised thanks to those efforts and Sinfield has previously suggested that more fundraisers will come, vowing to keep running until his knees give out, at which point he’ll find “different ways to raise money and chance the way people feel about the MND community”.

Both men were handed CBE’s in the New Year’s honours list with Prince William meeting the pair at Headingley in a surprise ceremony.

Ahead of England Rugby Union’s upcoming Six Nations game against Scotland, Sinfield has spoken to the BBC Rugby Union podcast on just how his life has changed since Burrow’s diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease.

Kevin Sinfield reveals dealing with Rob Burrow’s diagnosis has offered a fresh perspective

Kevin Sinfield has inspired millions whilst also raising millions and he’s spoken on the fulfilment and perspective given to him through his work to help the MND community.

Asked about his time in rugby union, with his role at England set to end soon, he preached about having that sense of control to change his career path.

Sinfield told the BBC Rugby Union podcast: “I think what happened to me over the last four years with Rob Burrow being diagnosed has meant that if I think I need to take some risk and do something different, or grab some control, then I’ll do that with my life.

“I think it’s important that we’re happy, we’re fulfilled, it’s meaningful for us, but we’re not here for a long time and Rob’s given me a whole deal of perspective.”

In terms of the future, he’s uncertain though but insists that that isn’t a negative, simply an avenue for opportunities.

He stated: “So there was never really a long-term plan. There isn’t a long-term plan. I’ve been asked several times now, what’s next? Not quite sure yet, but that’s what’s really exciting about the future because I’ll be able to shape it and make it fit.”

Whether that means there is a possible rugby league return is unclear but he certainly hasn’t ruled it out.