Rugby legend and MND campaigner knighted

A Leeds sporting icon and charity campaigner has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for his fundraising work in support of Motor Neurone Disease causes.

Leeds City Council has congratulated Kevin Sinfield after it was announced he is to receive a knighthood.

Kevin, a Leeds Rhinos legend, played more than 500 games for the rugby league club during one of the most successful periods in its history. 

He also represented Great Britain and England, before later playing for Yorkshire Carnegie during the 2015-16 season.

Since retiring from professional sport, Kevin has raised more than £11 million for MND-related causes and charities through a series of ultramarathons and endurance challenges.

His campaigning was inspired by his late team-mate and close friend Rob Burrow CBE, who died in June 2024 following his battle with the disease.

Kevin and Rob, pictured below, were jointly granted the Freedom of the City of Leeds in January 2023, the city’s highest civic honour.

The recognition follows the official opening of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds, which was officially opened by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in November 2025. 

Kevin Sinfield with Lindsey Burrow outside The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, in Leeds

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Congratulations to Kevin Sinfield on a knighthood which is so richly deserved. 

“Apart from his own legendary playing career for Leeds Rhinos, England and Great Britain, his selflessness and heroism in supporting and raising millions for motor neurone disease (MND) charities and in honour of his friend and fellow Rhinos icon Rob Burrow CBE is truly an inspiration to all of us. 

"As a freeman of Leeds his contribution to our city is written into our folklore, and through his extraordinary marathon challenges he has turned love and friendship into hope for so many.

"His passion and drive to create and open The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease here in Leeds has been extraordinary and it is already changing the lives of families across our city and far beyond. 

“At the heart of Kevin’s message is humanity, compassion, helping those in need and ensuring Rob’s legacy lives on. 

“I’m sure I speak for the whole city in saying that his knighthood is much deserved. 

“Our own ‘Sir Kev’ officially becomes Sir Kevin. Leeds couldn’t be prouder.”

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