Rugby union journalist David Walsh has revealed the horrific reason why Leeds Rhinos legends Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow weren’t given knighthoods.
Walsh was responding to the news that rugby union figure Bill Beaumont was essentially awarded a second knighthood whilst Burrow and Sinfield, who have raised £15 million in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease which Burrow has been fighting himself since he was diagnosed back in December 2019.
The two are being awarded a CBE each in 2024. Sinfield was awarded an MBE for his playing career before an OBE for his charity efforts in the MND community. Burrow was awarded an MBE for his courageous battle against MND as well.
But still knighthoods allude them and Walsh has tried to explain starting his brilliant piece in the Times with the following disclaimer so to speak:
“It is sensible not to attach much importance to the annual honours’ list. For all the worthy recipients, there are some who get there by dint of a political donation or having some kind of relationship with a brazen former prime minister. I’m not sure what to think about the latest abuse, the already infamous 11 recipients of Liz Truss’s patronage.
“Should we feel a certain sympathy for their new-found notoriety or disgust that they hadn’t the wit to say no? As for bestowing titles on athletes for services to their particular sport, at the very least this is questionable. For being good footballers or runners or cricketers, athletes are handsomely rewarded. Some earn millions, almost all enjoy the privilege of being able to make the list.”
He then went on to explain that the reason Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow weren’t given knighthoods is because rugby league, unlike rugby union, isn’t part of the establishment so to speak meaning they are not recognised in the same way as rugby union and other sports.
Either way it is truly disappointing to see the duo, who are the most deserving of anyone, to once again miss out on knighthoods as we head into 2024 and even though they will receive a CBE the wait for knighthoods will go on.
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John Thompson
April 27, 2024 at 1:56 am
Neither of them went to Eton nor donated millions to the Tories.
Linda bridges
December 29, 2024 at 6:54 pm
A total disgrace he has done so much for and and shown so much love and support for Rob a knighthood is the least he seserves
Tony Grey
June 4, 2024 at 8:32 am
I fall to see the significance of this outdated grovelling and corrupt system.
Look at some of the recipients Jimmy Saville for one.
Kev Sinfield and Rob Burrow were legends in a sport with it’s origins rooted in working class Northern England.
These two lads were legends in the sport, he said through gritted teeth as l am a Cas fan.
Their ability was admirable.
Since retirement and the Late Rob Burrow’s diagnosis these two have been a beacon of light in a harsh and corrupt world.
If you have been unmoved by the love and friendship of these two and dignified courage of Lyndsey and the children you are beyond hope.Knighthood they have something that is beyond the have genuine respect of genuine people.
Something beyond the understanding of those seeking honours.
Humility does not need glorification
Graham John Williams
December 2, 2024 at 2:12 pm
It really is about time Kevin Shinfield be awarded the title of Sir for all time and effort he has made raising funds for mnd . Nobody deserves the honour more I for one truly believe this to be the case . I hope his majesty king Charles would agree also 🙏.
Brendan Stafford
December 20, 2024 at 10:32 pm
I await with bated breath the New Year’s Honours list for 2025. I, alongside like minded people in the UK, would like to see Kevin Sinfield awarded his KBE for all his efforts and achievements with the MNDA cause. Also, a postumous award of a KBE for his late friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow. He battled bravely with dignity along with his supportive family.
R.I.P. Sir Rob and arise Sir Kevin. Both deserving, don’t you agree?