Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Prince William says Kevin Sinfield should have been knighted years ago
Prince William praised Kevin Sinfield after presenting him with a knighthood at Windsor Castle in October 2026.
The former rugby league captain and coach was honoured for services to the motor neurone disease community and to rugby league and union.
William said Sinfield deserved the honour years ago, and praised his leadership and lack of ego.
Sinfield has raised money and awareness for MND, a condition that affected his former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow, who died in 2024.
His latest fundraiser was seven ultramarathons in seven days, inspired by Burrow and completed in West Yorkshire.
The challenge was part of a wider campaign that has brought communities together around people living with MND and their families.
Sinfield says he accepts the knighthood on behalf of the MND community and families; no further next step is specified.
Prince William said Kevin Sinfield should have been knighted years ago.
Sinfield received a knighthood for services to the motor neurone disease community and to rugby league and union.
William presented the honour at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle in October 2026.
Sinfield has raised millions for motor neurone disease causes through fundraising challenges.
His latest challenge involved completing seven ultramarathons in seven days in memory of his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow.
- Who
- Prince William praised rugby coach and campaigner Kevin Sinfield.
- What
- William said Sinfield should have been knighted years ago.
- When
- William made the comments in an interview with BBC Breakfast, published on 26 October 2026.
- Where
- The interview was for BBC Breakfast. Sinfield received his knighthood at Windsor Castle.
- Why
- Sinfield was honoured for services to the motor neurone disease community and to rugby league and union.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rugby union player Doddie Weir died from motor neurone disease.
Rob Burrow died after living with motor neurone disease for four-and-a-half years.
Sally Nugent interviewed Prince William at Windsor for a BBC documentary about Sinfield.
William presented Sinfield with his knighthood at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.
William's comments about Sinfield were reported in interviews with BBC Breakfast.
- Honour
- Knighthood for services to the MND community and rugby league and union
- Investiture venue
- Windsor Castle
- Fundraising challenge
- Seven ultramarathons in seven days
- Former teammate
- Rob Burrow, who died in 2024
- Interview outlet
- BBC Breakfast
3 sources
What people are saying
I think frankly he should have been Sir Kevin years ago
The guy is just a machine.
What Kevin does, is he can bind and glue communities together by being that leader.
I think he champions pulling communities together