Rugby league 'delighted and honoured' after Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield receives OBE

Leeds Rhinos director or rugby Kevin Sinfield. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

The seven-time Grand Final winner was awarded an OBE in the Queen's birthday honours, to add to an MBE he received seven years ago.

The honour is in recognition of Sinfield's services to charity fundraising and to rugby league, after he raised more than £2m for the battle against motor neurone disease by running seven marathons in seven days last winter.

Sinfield's friend and former teammate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the disease in 2019.

Super League interim chairman, Ken Davy said: “I am sure the whole of rugby league will join me in congratulating Kevin on receiving this much deserved award.

Kevin Sinfield OBE - Leeds Rhinos legend dedicates latest honour to fellow Rob B...

“The spirit and determination shown by Kevin in support of his friend and former teammate epitomises the spirit of the rugby league family and I am sure the whole of our sport will welcome this honour.”

The RFL have also hailed Sinfield's award, along with those received by the sport's non-executive director Rimla Akhtar (OBE for services to equality and diversity in sport), Benevolent Fund general manager Stephen Ball (MBE for services to rugby league charities), Steve Prescott Foundation general manager Martin Blondel (MBE for services to the community in St Helens, particularly during Covid-19) and Bradford Bulls chairman Nigel Wood (OBE for services to rugby league football).

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RFL chairman Simon Johnson said: “I am delighted and honoured to welcome these five awards on behalf of the RFL and the sport.

“Kevin Sinfield was already established as a legend of the game through his playing performances for Leeds Rhinos, England and Great Britain, before his inspirational efforts in support of his former team-mate and close friend Rob Burrow MBE last winter."

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