Kevin Sinfield awarded an OBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours list

Leeds Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield has been awarded an OBE for his fundraising efforts in aid of motor neurone disease. 

Sinfield, 40, ran seven marathons in seven days to raise funds in support of former team-mate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with the condition in December 2019.

Having initially hoped to raise £77,777, Sinfield went on to generate over £2.2 million to support Burrow and others living with the condition.

Rob Burrow: Too Many Reasons to Live autobiography released in August

In addition, medical research charity LifeArc recently agreed to match £500,000 of the money Sinfield earned through his charitable efforts.

On the pitch, Sinfield led the Rhinos to seven Super League titles and two Challenge Cup trophies, as well as captaining the England national team during a decorated career which culminated in rugby union with Yorkshire Carnegie.

He was also named an MBE in 2014 for his services to rugby league, a year after announcing his retirement from professional sport.

Speaking about the accolade, he said: “I just feel really honoured by it. It’s for all those people who have given a little of themselves towards helping Rob [Burrow] and making his journey that little bit easier.

“I’ve got such a great deal of satisfaction for the bits that we’ve done with Rob and the MND Association.

“All of us involved have been touched by the support, the generosity and the love and respect that people not only have for Rob but the whole MND community.