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Sir Kevin Sinfield made his debut for Leeds Rhinos in 1997 at just 16 years old. By 1999, regular appearances and standout performances made it clear that something special was unfolding. Over the next 16 years, Leeds Rhinos enjoyed an era of dominance, with seven Super League titles, three World Cup Challenges, and two Challenge Cups.

Alongside his Leeds Rhinos work, he also played internationally for England and Great Britain, captaining the side and earning a reputation as a player who led by example.

Kevin retired from playing in 2016, quickly transitioning into management and coaching, returning to Leeds Rhinos in 2018 as their first Director of Rugby. He then moved to Leicester Tigers in 2021 as their Defence Coach, helping the club to a Premiership title.

 

Sir Kevin Sinfield | Motor Neurone Disease

Kevin is also well known now for his fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease charities. After his best friend and former teammate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND, he turned his mind to raising money and awareness of the condition. Over the years, he has raised over £13 million for MND charities. His challenges include:

– 2020: Ran seven marathons in seven days, raising over £2 million
– 2021: Ran 101 miles in 24 hours from Leicester to Leeds, raising another £2 million
– 2022: Completed seven ultra-marathons in seven days, finishing at the Rugby League World Cup final
– 2023: Pushed Rob Burrow in a wheelchair for 26.2 miles at the Leeds Marathon
– 2024: Kevin and his team ran over 50km a day for seven days, up and down the UK
– 2025: Ran seven ultra-marathons in seven days

His most recent – and reportedly last – fundraising event took place in September 2026, where he ran seven ultra-marathons in seven days, visiting all 12 English Betfred Super League grounds before finishing at Old Trafford ahead of the Super League Grand Final. Before kick-off, he addressed the crowd:

“The rugby league community has got right behind the MND community and Rob (Burrow) would be so proud to see how you’ve shown love and cared for a community that really needs us.”

Along the route, he was joined by fellow sports and entertainment people, including Lewis Moody (who himself has been diagnosed with MND), Gareth Southgate, Steve Borthwick, Steve McClaren, Josh Warrington, Charlie Ireland, Steve Cram, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Micah Richards, Paul Scholes, and Hannah Cockroft. He was also met by The Princess Royal Princess Anne on day two, and the Prince and Princess of Wales William and Catherine at the end of day three.

Sir Kevin Sinfield | Awards and Accolades

– 2005: Lance Todd Trophy
– 2012: Rugby League World Golden Boot
– 2014: MBE for Services to Rugby League
– 2015: RLWBA Merit Award
– 2021: OBE for Services to Rugby League and Fundraising
– 2022: BBC Sports Personality of the Year Special Award
– 2024: CBE for Services to MND Awareness
– 2026: Knighted for Services to Rugby League and the MND Community

 

Sir Kevin Sinfield | Author

Kevin is the author of a few bestselling books, either as the lone author or co-author, including:

– The Extra Mile (2023): winner of the 2024 Sports Bestseller Award and overall Sports Book of the Year in association with The Sunda Times, this memoir tells the story of his rugby career and how he set about raising money to combat MND.

– With You Every Step: A Celebration of Friendship (2023): written alongside Rob Burrow, this moving book is a celebration of friendship.

– Try (2024): written alongside Rob Burrow, this picture book is a big-hearted story of a friendship between two young boys.

 

Sir Kevin Sinfield | Speaker

Kevin is now a popular choice to speak at corporate events. Known to tell the most exciting and interesting stories from his time on and off the rugby field, his audiences always leave inspired, motivated, and cheerful.

 

Sir Kevin Sinfield | Speaking Topics

– Resilience
– Leadership
– Elite Sporting Career
– Endurance
– Self-Discipline
– Mental Toughness
– Thriving Under Pressure
– Goal-Setting
– Building a Legacy
– MND

Contact Great Sports Speakers today to check Kevin’s availability and fees for personal appearances and speaking engagements.