'About time': IRL Chair Troy Grant congratulates Kevin Sinfield on Knighthood

International Rugby League Chair Troy Grant has paid tribute to 2012 IRL Golden Boot winner and former England captain Kevin Sinfield after he became just the second rugby league player to receive a Knighthood.

Sinfield was awarded a Knighthood in the Kings Birthday Honours, joining Sir Billy Boston, who was knighted last year.

The Leeds Rhinos great was recognised for his glittering rugby league career, which included 40 international appearances for England and Great Britain, as well as his remarkable efforts to raise funds and awareness for motor neurone disease charities in honour of his close friend and team-mate Rob Burrow.

"On behalf of the IRL Board, I extend our warmest and most sincere congratulations to Kevin Sinfield for the recognition he so thoroughly deserves," Grant said.

"It is hard to think of anyone more worthy of this honour. Many would say, 'about time'.

"Kevin was a great rugby league player who achieved almost everything in the game - winning seven Super League grand finals with his beloved Leeds Rhinos, as well as Challenge Cup finals and World Club Challenge victories.

"He was an inspirational leader who captained his country and club, a skilful and versatile player who was acknowledged as the best in the world in 2012 when he won the Golden Boot award.

"Most of Kevin's on field feats for Leeds, England and Great Britain were achieved alongside his great mate Rob Burrow, and they again stood side by side as Rob faced his greatest challenge after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

"Inspired by Rob, Kevin has raised awareness of MND and more than GBP£11 million to help combat this debilitating disease that Jai Arrow is now battling with the support of the rugby league community.

"To quote Rob's wife Lindsey, 'everyone should have a friend like Kevin', and we are all very fortunate for Kevin's lifelong involvement in our game. Congratulations to Sir Kevin for such a well-earned honour." 

Sinfield received confirmation of his Knighthood just days after announcing details of his seventh annual 7-in-7 challenge, in which he will run seven ultra-marathons in seven days.

Seven was the jersey number worn by Burrow during his illustrious playing career and Sinfield has undertaken a running challenge to promote the campaign against MND each year since Burrow's diagnosis in 2019 - beginning with seven marathons in seven days in 2020.

He completed his 7-in-7 challenge in 2022 by entering Old Trafford at halftime during the World Cup final between Australia and Samoa.

Photo: Kevin Sinfield is congratulated by Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga after finishing his 2022 7-in-7 challenge during the World Cup final at Old Trafford. Photos: SWPIx  

The seventh and final 7-in-7 challenge will start on September 27 in Hull and finish at Old Trafford ahead of the kick-off of the Super League grand final on October 3. Sinfield will visit the grounds of all 12 Super League clubs along the way, as he completes seven ultra-marathons in seven days.