Kevin Sinfield will not receive a knighthood in the New Year Honours, despite his extraordinary fundraising for motor neurone disease (MND) and backing from Prince William. The 45-year-old former rugby league star recently completed seven ultra-marathons in seven days, raising £1.2 million for MND charities.
Sinfield, who has now raised over £11 million in total for MND causes, was inspired by his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who died last year from the disease. A petition calling for Sinfield to be knighted has gathered nearly 100,000 signatures.
However, The Times reports that official protocol prevents Sinfield from receiving a knighthood in the upcoming honours list. He was awarded an MBE in 2014, an OBE in 2021, and a CBE in 2023, and rules state that honours cannot be upgraded within three years. This means he will have to wait at least another year.
Prince William has been a vocal supporter of Sinfield's efforts. In a tweet earlier this month, he wrote: “Kevin, huge congratulations on nearing the finish of your incredible 7 in 7 challenge! Your commitment to Rob and everyone affected by MND is truly inspiring.” The Prince also visited the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds in November and has sent Sinfield personal messages of support.
Sinfield acknowledged the royal backing, telling The Sun: “I got a really nice message sent through... I got a personal text message as well, which was lovely.” Rob Burrow’s father, Geoff, criticised the delay, saying: “Disgraceful that Kevin has been overlooked again for a knighthood. Nevermind the 'rules', get Kevin knighted.”
