'Sir Kev' is Official - Kevin Sinfield is knighted in King's Birthday Honours

The RFL and RL Commercial today congratulate Kevin Sinfield after it was announced he will be made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).

Sinfield was bestowed the award in the King’s Birthday Honours, alongside Rugby League legend Neil Fox, who has also been awarded a CBE, and Professor Chris Brookes, who will receive an MBE for his services to the sport.

Nigel Wood OBE, Chair of the RFL and RL Commercial, 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.  

“No one will forget the numerous arduous running challenges, which tested his mind, body and spirit, that he completed - and continues to undertake - to raise crucial funds and awareness for MND.  

“Sir Kev is an inspiration to so many, whether as one of the finest players of his generation, leading Rhinos to seven Super League titles, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge glory plus captaining England and winning the Golden Boot as the world’s best international, or for those staggering feats of endurance in aid of Rob and MND.  

“He has affectionately been known as ‘Sir Kev’ for years by Leeds supporters and it is wonderful for that moniker to be now made official by His Majesty The King.  

“After Sir Billy Boston became Rugby League’s first knight last June, ending a long 130 year-wait for the sport, it is encouraging to witness another of our brilliant ambassadors now being bestowed the same honour and recognition.”  
Sinfield, 45, has been knighted for his services to rugby league and the MND community. 

He made his debut for Leeds in 1997 and spent his entire rugby league career at Headingley, becoming renowned for his leadership, kicking and tactical quality in a star-studded ‘Golden Generation’ side, including fellow Academy products Burrow, Danny McGuire and Jamie Jones-Buchanan. 

After retiring, Sinfield also headed the programme that led England to the 2017 World Cup final as RFL performance director before switching codes and now coaches for England rugby union’s national side.

Following Burrow’s MND diagnosis in 2019, he pledged to help his former team-mate battle the cruel condition and began a series of gruelling running challenges which have now raised more than £11m for the MND community as it continues striving to find a cure.

Sinfield recently revealed details of his seventh and final challenge which will see him run seven ultramarathons in as many days, taking in all 12 English Super League grounds from Hull to Wigan before finishing at the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3.