Following the confirmation of ‘Sir Kevin Sinfield’, the Leeds Rhinos legend has offered his first thoughts after being announced to receive a knighthood.
Sir Kevin was one of three men from the sport to be honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours, and alongside Wakefield Trinity icon Neil Fox (CBE) and Wigan Warriors chairman Chris Brookes (MBE), has been recognised for their work in and out of the sport.
Sinfield has raised over £11 million for MND charities since 2019, when former teammate Rob Burrow revealed he had been diagnosed with the disease.
The pair were inseparable, and both went above and beyond to not only raise funds, but to raise awareness of MND in a bid to try and find a cure.
The 45-year-old has been officially given the award for “services to rugby league, rugby union and the MND community”, and after a stellar playing career at Leeds, he moved into coaching in rugby union, where he currently holds the post of England assistant.
Sir Kevin Sinfield comments on becoming rugby league’s second-ever knight
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the Rugby and MND communities,” Sir Kevin said.
“Since I first played rugby when I was 7, Rugby League has given me so much. I am particularly proud to follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Billy Boston with Rugby League’s second ever knighthood in over 130 years of the sport. Sir Billy overcame so much in his life and is still loved by the game.
“I was privileged to play with some great players for my club and country and made friendships for life. That is the special thing about rugby, of either code; the team-mates you make on the pitch are by your side off the field long after you hang up your boots. That is something I always say to young boys and girls when they ask about playing rugby and the bonds you make, through the good and the tough times.
Commenting on his work for MND, Sinfield added: “My playing career was everything I could ever have dreamed of as a young man, but the last seven years have given me so much inspiration.
“The MND community are the very best of us, and it has been my privilege to support them and put their battle on the stage it needs. As always, I continue to be inspired by the courage that Rob Burrow showed in his battle with the disease, and he is never far from my thoughts.
“We have raised so much awareness and funds to support families and aid research, but more needs to be done. We have to continue the fight for the 5,000 people who are living with MND in the UK today and the six people who will be diagnosed tomorrow and the next day. I am pleased that this honour allows me to continue to raise awareness, and I am looking forward to joining up with the 7 in 7 team again in September for our seventh and final annual challenge.
“I would like to thank my family for their wonderful support and all those who have given me their support over the years, I am incredibly grateful.”
Sinfield’s final challenge – 7 in 7: The Grand Finale – will see him run across the country, passing through all 12 English Super League clubs on his way before finishing at Old Trafford on the day of the Grand Final on October 3.
