Kevin Sinfield receives knighthood at Windsor Castle for rugby and MND work

Kevin Sinfield received his knighthood from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, recognising his services to rugby league, rugby union and the motor neurone disease community.

The former England rugby league captain said his late friend and Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow would have been proud of the campaign they helped build.

Sinfield’s knighthood was announced in the King’s Birthday Honours in June. Wednesday’s ceremony marked its formal presentation.

Speaking to the Press Association, in comments published by ITV News, Sinfield said he was “very proud to accept it on behalf of the MND community and their families”.

Kevin Sinfield’s fundraising inspired by Rob Burrow

Sinfield began his annual 7 in 7 challenges in 2020, following Burrow’s diagnosis with MND in December 2019.

The MND Association reported in June that his fundraising had exceeded £11 million. Money raised for the charity has supported research and people living with the disease and their families.

Sinfield and Burrow became patrons of the association in 2021. Both received CBEs in 2024, before Burrow’s death that June.

At Windsor, Sinfield praised the support of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the families who had continued to encourage his fundraising.

He also said he would like to organise a run in Australia and New Zealand next year, supporting greater collaboration between those working to help people affected by MND.