Sir Kevin Sinfield has been knighted for his sporting career and his fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The former Leeds Rhinos forward received the honour from the Prince of Wales at an investiture ceremony at Windsor on the 7 th October, recognising his services to the Rugby League, Rugby Union and the MND community.

The Saddleworth rugby league legend was joined at the ceremony by his wife Jayne.

Oldham council leaders welcomed the knighthood in a joint statement. Cllr Kamran Ghafoor of The Oldham Group, Cllr Sam Al-Hamdani of the Liberal Democrat Group, Cllr Maggie Hurley of the Royton Independent Group, Cllr Arooj Shah of the Labour Group and Cllr Max Woodvine of the Conservative group congratulated him.

They said: "It is with great pleasure that we received the news of Kevin Sinfield's knighthood.

"Kevin is a great hero both internationally and locally, and it was only a few days ago that he was out running the streets of Oldham, raising money again for Motor Neurone Disease.

"He has spoken in the past of his love for the town, and we recognise what a great ambassador he is for our borough and the people of it."

Sir Kevin began his rugby journey at Waterhead in Oldham before going on to achieve success in Rugby League, and later established himself as a coach in Rugby Union.

His fundraising for MND has earned him admiration far beyond the sporting world. His challenges have raised millions of pounds while helping to increase awareness of the condition and support those affected by it.

The knighthood follows his seventh and final annual fundraising challenge, 7 in 7: The Grand Finale, which saw him run an ultra-marathon every day for seven consecutive days.

The challenge was undertaken in memory of his close friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow CBE, who died from MND in June 2024 aged 41.

During the challenge, Sir Kevin visited all 12 English Super League clubs and met hundreds of people living with MND and their families.

His return to Oldham drew large crowds, with residents lining the streets to cheer him on as he passed through Saddleworth and Chadderton.

Sir Kevin attended Saddleworth School and Oldham Sixth Form College, and has maintained a strong connection with his hometown throughout his career.

The former England international was appointed Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 2023, receiving Oldham's highest civic honour.

The council leaders added: "As a rugby legend, starting out at Waterhead, he has scaled the heights as a player in Rugby League, and as a coach in Rugby Union.

"But beyond that, his incredible feats to raise millions of pounds to help treat Motor Neurone Disease have made him particularly valued and made a special connection with so many people who have sponsored him and cheered him on through the streets and even joined him at events such as the Santa Dash.

"This recognition could not be more deserved, and we would all like to place on record our recognition of truly great Oldhamer."

Sir Kevin is a patron of the MND Association.