Former England rugby league captain Kevin Sinfield is set to receive a knighthood in the upcoming King's Birthday Honours list, following his extensive fundraising for motor neurone disease (MND) charities, according to reports.
The 45-year-old former Leeds Rhinos star has raised more than £11 million for MND charities in honor of his late friend and teammate, Rob Burrow.
Burrow was diagnosed with the neurological condition in 2019 and passed away in 2024 at age 41.
Public figures have repeatedly called for Sinfield to receive the honor in recent years.
Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle described Sinfield as a rugby league legend who deserves the title.
The bond between Sinfield and Burrow drew national attention, notably when Sinfield carried Burrow over the finish line at the 2023 Leeds Marathon after pushing him in a specially adapted wheelchair.
Both men were previously appointed CBEs in the 2023 New Year Honours List, receiving their awards from Prince William at Headingley Stadium.
The opening of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds last year established the first purpose-built facility for MND patient care and research.
Prince William visited the facility alongside Sinfield and Burrow's widow, Lindsey.
"This is a world-leading centre that's going to save a lot of lives," said Prince William.
He also told Burrow's children that they should be proud of their father because he was an incredibly brave and special man.
Sinfield has since continued his fundraising efforts through subsequent athletic events.
He recently announced his seventh and final endurance challenge, titled "7 in 7: The Grand Finale," which involves running an ultramarathon daily for seven days between Hull and Manchester, visiting all 12 English Super League grounds alongside individuals affected by the illness.
"Our team have done a wonderful job.
I couldn't have done any of it without them, they are so unselfish in the way they've gone about this," said Sinfield, who also serves as an England rugby union coach.
Sinfield emphasized that the team could not have accomplished the fundraising milestones independently.
He noted that while the generated funds have significantly advanced their goals, the campaign must continue until a cure is found.
"We couldn't have done this on our own.
The money has gone a long way and we're getting closer and closer, but we've got to keep pushing, we've got to try and find a cure," said Sinfield.
Motor neurone disease is a life-shortening neurological condition that disrupts nerve signals from the brain to muscles.
Other prominent rugby figures have also been affected by the illness, including former Scotland international Doddie Weir, who died in 2022, and former England captain Lewis Moody, who revealed his diagnosis last year.
The King's Birthday Honours List is scheduled for publication this weekend.
