Council congratulates Kevin Sinfield on his knighthood

Leeds City Council has congratulated Kevin Sinfield following today’s announcement that he is to receive a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Kevin played more than 500 games for the Leeds Rhinos rugby league team during one of the most successful periods in their history, alongside representing Great Britain and England. He later represented Yorkshire Carnegie during the 2015-16 season.

Since retiring from playing professional rugby, Kevin has raised more than £11million for Motor Neurone Disease-related causes and charities by taking on gruelling ultramarathons and endurance challenges in honour and memory of his late team-mate and great friend Rob Burrow CBE, who passed away in June 2024 after his courageous battle with the disease.

Both Kevin and Rob were jointly granted the Freedom of the City of Leeds – the city’s highest honour - in January 2023.

The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease - the first such dedicated building of its kind - was officially opened at its Seacroft Hospital base in Leeds by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in November 2025. 

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis said:

“Congratulations to Kevin Sinfield on a knighthood which is so richly deserved. Apart from his own legendary playing career for Leeds Rhinos, England and Great Britain, his selflessness and heroism in supporting and raising millions for motor neurone disease (MND) charities and in honour of his friend and fellow Rhinos icon Rob Burrow CBE is truly an inspiration to all of us. 

"As a freeman of Leeds his contribution to our city is written into our folklore, and through his extraordinary marathon challenges he has turned love and friendship into hope for so many.

"His passion and drive to create and open The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease here in Leeds has been extraordinary and it is already changing the lives of families across our city and far beyond. At the heart of Kevin's message is humanity, compassion, helping those in need and ensuring Rob’s legacy lives on. I’m sure I speak for the whole city in saying that his knighthood is much deserved. Our own 'Sir Kev' officially becomes Sir Kevin. Leeds couldn’t be prouder.”

The King's Birthday Honours also includes an OBE for Leeds foster carer Linda Harrison-Simcock.

Councillor Lewis added:

"We'd also like to congratulate Linda Harrison-Simcock on her OBE for fostering services. It is fantastic to see her tireless efforts recognised in this way, reflecting the incredible work foster carers do in our communities to make a real difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children."

ENDS

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