Rugby union’s ridiculous response to Kevin Sinfield’s knighthood snub

Leeds Rhinos legends Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow were again recognised in the New Years Honours List but still many were dismayed.

This is because despite Burrow’s courageous battle against Motor Neurone Disease for the past four years, despite the role models both have been of friendship and perseverance, despite the inspiration both have provided and crucially the £15 million the duo have raised in the fight against MND, they still haven’t been awarded knighthoods.

Previously, Sinfield was awarded an MBE for his services to the sport of rugby league and had this upgraded to an OBE for his charity work in the fight against MND. Burrow likewise was awarded an MBE for his fight against MND and now the pair are both set to receive CBEs which is one step down from knighthoods.

Rugby union response has been pretty surprising with rugby union journalist chalking the decision down to rugby league not being part of the establishment.

A lukewarm explanation from a sport that considers itself within the establishment and one that doesn’t reflect the brilliant work Sinfield has done in the 15 man code.

Either way, Sinfield and Burrow will continue to go above and beyond in the fight against MND with Sinfield recently revealing just how much he goes through in his challenges:

“I trained every day. I need to do it. It’s probably my 30-minute window. I try and do something every day. I know it’s good for me. I need it. I need it if I’m going to function properly as a human being and get the best out of myself.

“It’s really important to me. I did run. I ran a fair bit with a number of the coaches. I’m a professional coach, it’s an important part of my daily routine but I’m pretty smart as well. When you’ve had 20 years as a professional sportsman and you suddenly pick up road running as a bit of a hobby, the knees aren’t always too happy about it.

“I’m smart with what I do, I do a lot of cross training and I’ve changed my routine a fair bit but running was some really nice parts of France to run in.

“Since I finished playing and I entered the real world, if you like, running helps me fix things, helps me clear my head, helps me to be a better person. So, yeah, it’s an important part of who I am now. When I can’t run for whatever reason, then I don’t think I’m great company. So, hopefully I can keep running for a long time.”