The remarkable charitable efforts of rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield have sparked widespread public demand for him to be knighted. However, his absence from the latest New Year Honours list has a clear, if disappointing, explanation rooted in official protocol.
The Royal Rule Blocking an Immediate Honour
Despite raising a staggering over £11 million for motor neurone disease (MND) charities, Kevin Sinfield will not become Sir Kevin in the upcoming honours. The primary reason is a formal Royal rule designed to maintain the integrity of the awards system. This protocol stipulates that an individual cannot have their honour upgraded within a three-year period.
Since Sinfield was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in late 2023, he is technically ineligible for a higher award, such as a knighthood, until 2026 at the very earliest. This rule applies even in exceptional cases of extraordinary contribution, much to the frustration of his many supporters.
An Unwavering Commitment Inspired by Friendship
Sinfield's incredible fundraising journey began in 2019 after his close friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow, was diagnosed with MND. Following Burrow's tragic passing in 2024, Sinfield has only intensified his efforts to find a cure and support affected families.
His series of gruelling endurance challenges, including the famous '7 in 7' ultra-marathons, have consistently captured the nation's admiration. His most recent feat—seven ultra-marathons in seven days across the UK and Ireland—alone added over £1 million to his monumental total.
Public Outcry and the Path to a Future Knighthood
The decision to adhere strictly to the rules has ignited significant debate about the flexibility of the honours system. Nearly 100,000 people signed a petition calling for his knighthood, with high-profile figures and fans urging the Cabinet Office to make a special exception.
Among his supporters is Prince William, who sent Sinfield a personal message praising his selflessness and the hope he provides to the MND community. While other sports stars, including England Lionesses, are recognised in this honours list, Sinfield remains characteristically humble, focusing on the cause rather than personal accolades.
He has already planned his final major challenge for late 2026, which will visit every English Super League club. It is now widely anticipated that the rugby icon will finally receive his deserved knighthood in the 2027 honours list, once the mandatory waiting period has elapsed. Until then, his vow to continue fighting for a cure stands as the truest testament to his and Rob Burrow's legacy.
