Three rugby league figures have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours with Sir Kevin Sinfield finally being confirmed as the sport’s second-ever knight.
Sir Billy Boston was knighted last year but Sir Kevin Sinfield now follows in his footsteps, as had been expected given the 45-year-old’s incredible contributions to both rugby league and as a charity fundraiser.
It was earlier reported that Sinfield would earn a knighthood but it has now been formally confirmed with an RFL statement praising the ex-player accompanying the news.
Having previously earned an MBE in 2014, OBE in 2021 and CBE in 2024, Kevin Sinfield becomes the long-awaited Sir, replacing the nickname of King Kev that Leeds Rhinos fans called him for so many years.
Also honoured from rugby league were Neil Fox, who now becomes a CBE, and Wigan Warriors’ chair Chris Brookes, who has been awarded an MBE.
All three men have had immense contributions to rugby league though Kevin Sinfield is perhaps best known for his charity fundraising. He’s set to complete his seventh running challenge this September and October with the route for his seven ultra-marathons in seven days confirmed earlier this month.
RFL chair reacts to deserved Sir Kevin Sinfield
The RFL statement accompanying the confirmation of Sinfield’s knighthood saw statements from chair Nigel Wood on each man’s honour.
It read: “The RFL today congratulates Kevin Sinfield after it was announced he will be made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) – and fellow rugby league legend Neil Fox plus Professor Chris Brookes for their own awards.”
On Sinfield, Wood said: “On behalf of the Rugby Football League, and the sport of Rugby League, it is a privilege to congratulate Sir Kevin Sinfield on his knighthood.
“Rarely has such an honour been so richly deserved – and so widely applauded. I am sure the whole of the rugby league community would agree.
“Sir Kev not only achieved so many feats in our sport, including captaining Leeds Rhinos in one of the greatest eras for any club in our history, but he also earned global acclaim for his truly remarkable efforts when supporting his much-loved friend Rob Burrow and the entire Motor Neurone Disease community.”
Speaking on Fox’s CBE, Wood said: “It is an honour to be able to celebrate Neil Fox’s award of a CBE.
“Neil’s astonishing feats, largely with the glorious Wakefield Trinity side of the 1960s, have stood the test of time in Rugby League. It is almost unimaginable today to think that Neil played more than 800 professional games.
“Nearly half-a-century after his glorious career drew to a close, still no one has yet got close to his all-time scoring record of 6,220 points.”
Chris Brookes also earned an MBE, with Wood stating: “It’s fitting that Professor Chris Brookes has also been honoured by the King with an MBE for his services to rugby league.
“Along the way he has served with distinction, in his role as doctor at clubs such as Salford, Bradford Bulls and Wigan, but also on the international scene where he worked with the England national side for a long time.
“He continued his exemplary work as the RFL’s chief medical officer for 16 years, producing crucial work in fields such as brain health and player welfare as well as steering the game through the pandemic, before stepping down in 2023.”
Warrington Wolves
Super League switch looms as Warrington Wolves half-back exits club
