Sinfield says memory of friend Burrow was with him after Knighthood letter

Sir Kevin Sinfield said he couldn't help thinking what his friend Rob Burrow would have said to him after he opened the letter from the Palace informing him he had received a Knighthood for services to rugby and charity.

Commenting on the announcement, Sinfield said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the Rugby and MND communities. 

“Since I first played rugby when I was 7, Rugby League has given me so much. I am particularly proud to follow in the footsteps of the great Sir Billy Boston with Rugby League’s second ever knighthood in over 130 years of the sport. Sir Billy overcame so much in his life and is still loved by the game.

“I was privileged to play with some great players for my club and country and made friendships for life. That is the special thing about rugby, of either code; the team-mates you make on the pitch are by your side off the field long after you hang up your boots. That is something I always say to young boys and girls when they ask about playing rugby and the bonds you make, through the good and the tough times. 

“My playing career was everything I could ever have dreamed of as a young man but the last seven years have given me so much inspiration. The MND community are the very best of us and it has been my privilege to support them and put their battle on the stage it needs. As always, I continue to be inspired by the courage that Rob Burrow showed in his battle with the disease and he is never far from my thoughts.

“We have raised so much awareness and funds to support families and aid research but more needs to be done. We have to continue the fight for the 5,000 people who are living with MND in the UK today and the six people who will be diagnosed tomorrow and the next day. I am pleased that this honour allows me to continue to raise awareness and I am looking forward to joining up with the 7 in 7 team again in September for our seventh and final annual challenge.  

“I would like to thank my family for their wonderful support and all those who have given me their support over the years, I am incredibly grateful.”