Sir Kevin Sinfield has been recognised with a knighthood for his longstanding charitable efforts on behalf of the motor neurone disease (MND) community, as well as his contributions to rugby league and union. The accolade, awarded this month, follows Sinfield’s commitment over several years to raising awareness and funds for MND, a cause closely linked to his late former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow.

Since Burrow’s diagnosis with MND in 2019, Sinfield has undertaken an annual endurance challenge of completing seven ultramarathons in seven consecutive days, a feat he has sustained each year for the past seven years. The effort has raised millions to support research and patient care for those affected by the disease. Burrow, who wore the No. 7 shirt during his rugby career, passed away in 2024 at the age of 41.

The Prince of Wales, who praised Sinfield’s dedication, described the decision to bestow the knighthood as “probably the easiest decision anyone’s ever had to make,” adding that Sinfield “should have been Sir Kevin years ago.” Speaking to the BBC, the prince expressed admiration for Sinfield’s resilience, noting concerns about the physical toll of his ultramarathons. “The guy is just a machine,” he said, highlighting Sinfield’s character as “a top bloke, really nice guy, good, honest, kind … there is no ego with him.”

The prince also acknowledged the Burrow family’s response to their loss, particularly commending Lindsey Burrow for her “quiet dignity.” He said he had written to the family, including their children Macy, Maya and Jackson, and emphasized the importance of supporting people through grief in their own time.

Sinfield, 46, said he feels “massively humbled by the whole experience” and proud to accept the honour on behalf of the MND community and their families. He highlighted the sustained support offered by William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, who have been active advocates for the cause. Last year, William opened the Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds with the Burrow family. The centre focuses on integrated patient care and medical research related to the disease.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also joined Sinfield in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, last month to encourage him during the third day of his final seven-in-seven ultramarathon challenge. Sinfield noted the significance of royal support in uniting communities around MND following high-profile diagnoses in recent years. “Their support … brings a real credibility to what we’re trying to do,” he said.

Burrow’s own efforts helped elevate MND awareness and funding before his death, and Sinfield’s ongoing challenge has covered more than 1,000 miles since 2020, continuing his teammate’s legacy of advocacy and endurance.