Arise Sir Kevin Sinfield! Rugby legend receives his knighthood from Prince William
The former England rugby league captain has so far raised more than £11 million for charity
Sir Kevin Sinfield, former England rugby league captain, and charity fundraiser has been given his knighthood at Windsor Castle today.
The 45-year-old was recognised for his services to the MND community, as well as for services to rugby.
Sir Kevin has raised more than £11 million after being inspired by his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow, who died in 2024 after living with motor neurone disease for four and a half years.
Sir Kevin Sinfield said his late friend Rob Burrow would be “laughing” but “enormously proud” to see him receive a knighthood.
Sir Kevin said he was “massively humbled by the whole experience” and “very proud to accept it on behalf of the MND community and their families”.
He said William, who presented Sir Kevin and Burrow with their CBEs at Headingley Stadium in 2024, had been “fantastically supportive” of their campaign.
Sinfield has completed seven endurance challenges in support of the cause, each based around the number seven, which was the number Burrow wore throughout his playing career.
Sir Kevin completed his seventh and final challenge in September.
Sir Kevin said he would now like to plan a run in Australia and New Zealand next year and “ensure that collaboration is taking place between nations that are working incredibly hard to try and find a cure and to look after families better”.
He said the reaction from the MND community to his knighthood had been “wonderful”.
“I felt very fortunate to have connected with a lot of families who are going through some real challenging times, yet still continue to be at the roadside or stopping me in the street for a chat to share their story.
“So I feel incredibly fortunate to be here today accepting this on their behalf.”
He said he had not got used to the title “Sir Kevin” yet, adding: “I don’t think I ever will.
“It’s really nice, but every time I hear that, I go straight back why we started, and it was a run for a mate, with some mates, and that’ll never change, what we’ve been doing this last six or seven years.”
Other honours
Sir Kevin was among 60 people to receive honours from the Prince of Wales at the same ceremony today
England footballer Michelle Agyemang, who plays for Arsenal in the Women's Super League, was also honoured.
Agyemang was named young player of the tournament as the Lionesses won Euro 2025 in Switzerland.
Two-time Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee was made an OBE for services to triathlon and charity.
He is the only athlete to have won two individual Olympic gold medals in triathlon and co-founded the Brownlee Foundation with his brother Jonny Brownlee, a charity aimed at encouraging children from all backgrounds to take part in sport.
England Under-21s football coach Lee Carsley was also honoured.
Carsley's side qualified for Euro 2027 last Friday following a goalless draw with Slovakia, and he previously led the Under-21s to victory at the Uefa European Championship in 2023 without conceding a goal.
Actor and director Dexter Fletcher, known for films including Bugsy Malone, The Bounty and Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, was also recognised.
Fletcher has since built a career directing films including the 2019 Elton John biopic Rocketman and sports comedy Eddie The Eagle.
Anti-abuse campaigner Zelda Perkins was among the other honours recipients at the ceremony.