The rumoured reason Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield didn’t receive a Knighthood

Last night the New Year’s Honours list was announced.

Whenever this list is released, people instantly focus on the famous names involved and fans of sport look for representatives of their sport in the list.

However, this time around there is very minimal representation from rugby league.

Many were hoping that Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield would finally receive a Knighthood and truly be Sir Kevin Sinfield.

This comes after Sinfield ran seven ultramarathons in a week in 2022 to raise more money in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease inspired by good friend Rob Burrow.

In 2021, he ran 101 miles in 24 hours whilst 2020 saw him run seven marathons in seven days earning an OBE after receiving an MBE for services to rugby league in the past.

He has now raised over £7 million in the fight against MND but still hasn’t received a Knighthood.

This has unsurprisingly disappointed rugby league fans but it has often been suggested that there is a rule not permitting an individual to receive two honours within a five year spell.

Sinfield first received an MBE in 2014 and it wasn’t until seven years later in 2021 when he received his OBE.

If this rule does exist, though it may be an urban legend, it would explain why Sinfield has not yet received a Knighthood and would mean he will have to wait until 2026.

It may not be a rule but rather be an accepted unwritten rule.

There were others that some felt should have been honour. Some are disappointed to see that England’s Wheelchair team who won the World Cup and brought new eyes to a very inclusive sport were not included and nor were the PDRL team who also won their World Cup.

Meanwhile, Robert Elstone who formerly worked for Castleford Tigers and has acted as Executive Assistant at the RFL was included in the list.