Watch: What Prince William said to Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow when awarding their CBEs

Both Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow were awarded their much-deserved CBEs by Prince William in a private awards ceremony at Headingley, the pair’s former stomping ground during their epic Leeds Rhinos careers.

Between them Sinfield and Burrow have an incredible Leeds Rhinos record that tallies 15 Grand Final wins (seven for Sinfield and eight for Burrow), four Harry Sunderland Trophy awards (two each) and over 1,000 appearances for the Yorkshire club.

Surprisingly though only Sinfield was honoured for services to rugby league, the ex-Rhinos captain being awarded an MBE in 2014 for services to the sport.

However in their post-playing days their bond has been strengthened even more on account of the brotherhood shown during Burrow’s battle against Motor Neurone Disease, with Sinfield helping to raise millions of pounds to help combat the condition.

Burrow was diagnosed with MND in December 2019, announcing the terrible news on BBC Breakfast whilst accompanied with his captain Sinfield, and since then the duo have fought to raise awareness together in one of the epic tales of friendship.

Since then with Burrow advocating for major research and funding into the as yet incurable condition, and Sinfield taking on epic challenges to fundraise, it’s been a heart-warming story of friendship for the nation to see.

The recognition of that saw the pair awarded an OBE in 2021 but sadly they couldn’t be honoured together due to Burrow taking ill, however that wasn’t the case for yesterday’s CBE awarding with both men honoured at Headingley by Prince William.

At the time the honour was announced Sinfield said: “When you think what we have done over the last few years, it is not about getting honours, it is about the MND community. I feel like I’m the one getting singled out but it’s been a real team effort from everybody. I can’t do it on my own, I need everybody to do their bit and it’s been an incredible journey.”

Both men’s families were in attendance for the private awards ceremony that took place in the pair’s old Rhinos dressing room and footage has now been released showing the Prince of Wales handing out the honours.

A pleasure to award Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield with their CBEs at Headingley today. Thank you both for your incredible efforts in raising awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease. Both true heroes of the #MND community and the Rugby Football League. pic.twitter.com/vmtePMyVGD

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 11, 2024

Upon handing the honour out, Prince William showed Burrow the award and detailed how to wear it: “I’ve got it here Rob so you can see it, it goes around the neck. I won’t take it out of the box yet as it looks smarter in the box.

“Thank you so much and congratulations for all the inspirational work you’ve done. Everyone is so proud of you and everyone has been following your case and all the money you’ve been raising.

“You have changed so many people’s lives with MND and we’re all so proud of you.”

He then proceeded to bestow the medal upon Sinfield, stating: “A huge huge congratulations. It’s been amazing what you’ve done and thank you for what you have done.

“You’ve raised so much and the profile of MND. Your brotherly bond and relationship has been so amazing to watch and an inspiration for everyone to realise that this is how we help each other.”

A very special visit for two very special men 👑

Prince William personally awards Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield CBEs for their work raising awareness of motor neurone disease 👏

More on #bbcbreakfast tomorrow morning ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Icv3RkDVYI

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) January 11, 2024