Sir Kevin Sinfield was officially knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, just a few days on from finishing his “7 in 7: The Grand Finale” challenge in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) community.
Leeds Rhinos legend Sinfield was awarded his Knighthood back in June as part of the King’s Birthday Honours, both for his services to the MND community and to the sports of rugby league and union, Loverugbyleague reported.
The 46-year-old followed the late, great Wigan Warriors icon Sir Billy Boston in becoming just the second rugby league figurehead to have received a Knighthood.
On Wednesday, October 7, he was officially bestowed with the honour, forming part of a group of 60 to receive honours from William, the Prince of Wales, at an investiture ceremony.
Kevin Sinfield's road to knighthood
Last week, Prince William, and wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, surprised Sinfield during his latest MND fundraising challenge, which again raised more than £1 million.
Sinfield completed his seven ultramarathons in seven days at Old Trafford, delivering both the Super League trophy and match ball for the Grand Final, won by son Jack and Wakefield Trinity in a fairytale manner.
Fittingly, Prince William was also the man to award Sinfield and the late Rob Burrow with their CBEs at Headingley back in 2024.
Sinfield’s former Leeds team-mate and long-time friend Burrow, of course, bravely battled MND for four years before passing away in June 2024 aged 41.
Early details of next MND fundraising challenge emerge
Sinfield and his team’s latest mammoth fundraising effort was the seventh of its kind – and named ‘the Grand Finale’.
For now at least, challenges of that manner have concluded: but the England union coach has already defiantly insisted his fundraising efforts are far from over.
Full details of his next challenge are to be confirmed, but it would appear he is set to take on the Southern Hemisphere.
With over £13 million already raised, Sinfield has announced he plans to head for Australia and New Zealand.
