Kevin Sinfield receives knighthood for rugby and MND campaigning

Kevin Sinfield received his knighthood from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, recognising his contribution to rugby league, rugby union and the motor neurone disease community. According to BBC News, the former England rugby league captain was among 60 people receiving honours at the investiture, after raising more than £11 million for charity.

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The 46-year-old dedicated the occasion to people affected by MND and their families. He said he felt humbled by the ceremony and proud to receive the honour on their behalf. Sinfield also reflected on the families he has met through his campaigning, including those who continue to support his runs or stop to share their experiences despite facing difficult circumstances themselves.

His late Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow remained central to his response. Burrow died in 2024 after living with MND for four years, and his experience inspired Sinfield's fundraising efforts. Sinfield said he believed his friend would find the knighthood amusing but would also be proud of the backing for the campaign, which continues in Burrow's name.

The ceremony followed Sinfield's completion of seven ultra-marathons in seven days in his 7 in 7: The Grand Finale challenge. The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised him on the third day of that effort. William had previously presented Sinfield and Burrow with their CBEs at Headingley Stadium in 2024, another occasion linking the royal family's support with the pair's MND campaigning.

Sinfield credited both William and Catherine with supporting the cause and helping give the campaign credibility. He also spoke about the way the MND community had come together following Burrow's diagnosis and those of other prominent sportspeople. For Sinfield, the response to the honour reflected the support gathered around that shared work, rather than only his own fundraising achievements.

Looking ahead, Sinfield said he would like to organise a run in Australia and New Zealand next year. He linked that ambition to encouraging collaboration between countries working to find a cure and improve support for families. The overseas run remains something he wants to plan. He also said he was still unaccustomed to his new title, which reminds him of the campaign's beginnings as friends running for a friend.