Rugby icon Kevin Sinfield, known for his illustrious career with Leeds Rhinos, is most celebrated for his exceptional charity work in support of Motor Neurone Disease. The 45-year-old is poised to receive a knighthood in the upcoming King’s Birthday Honours for his tireless dedication to raising funds in honor of his late friend and teammate, Rob Burrow, who bravely battled the disease.
Sinfield has successfully raised over £11 million for MND charities following Burrow’s diagnosis with the debilitating condition in 2019, sadly passing away at the age of 41 in 2024. Born in Oldham in 1980, Sinfield attended Saddleworth School where he served as head boy. He embarked on his professional rugby league journey with Leeds as a teenager, where he first crossed paths with his close friend, Rob.
Throughout his remarkable tenure at Leeds, Sinfield clinched seven Super League titles, two Challenge Cups, three World Club Challenges, and three League Leaders’ Shields. Additionally, he represented England in 29 matches and Great Britain in 14 fixtures. Transitioning to rugby union after retiring from playing, Sinfield assumed the role of defense coach for both Leicester Tigers and the England national team.
Driven by Burrow’s MND diagnosis in 2019, Sinfield embarked on extraordinary fundraising endeavors. Notable feats include running seven marathons in seven days in 2020, raising over £2 million, and completing the 101-Mile Extra Mile Challenge from Leicester to Leeds the following year, generating an additional £1 million. Subsequently, he undertook multiple ultramarathons across various UK and Ireland cities in 2022 and 2025, amassing millions more in donations.
A poignant moment occurred when Sinfield famously carried Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds Marathon in 2023. Their unwavering friendship was further honored when they were both appointed CBEs in January 2024 by Prince William at Headingley Stadium, the Rhinos’ home ground.
Tragically, Burrow succumbed to MND five months later after valiantly battling the illness for over four years. In a heartfelt tribute, Sinfield expressed his enduring admiration for his late friend, highlighting Burrow’s resilience and bravery throughout his struggle.
Currently, Sinfield, a father of three, announced his final fundraising challenge, The Grand Finale, which involves running approximately 30 miles per day to all 12 English Super League stadiums before concluding at Old Trafford ahead of the Grand Final on October 3. Reflecting on his accomplishments, Sinfield credited his team for their unwavering support and emphasized the importance of continued efforts towards finding a cure for MND.