KEVIN’S STORY

Kevin’s Story

Debut for Leeds Rhinos (1997)

A first professional appearance for Leeds Rhinos at just 16 marked the start of an incredible career. By 1999, regular appearances and standout performances made it clear that something special was unfolding.

Building a Legacy (1999–2015)

Over the years, Leeds Rhinos enjoyed an era of dominance, with seven Super League titles, three World Club Challenges, and two Challenge Cups. Leadership on and off the pitch helped define a golden generation for the club.

International Career (2000–2013)

International honours followed, with 14 caps for Great Britain and 26 for England, captaining the side and earning a reputation as a player who led by example.

Switching Codes & Retirement (2015–2016)

A move to rugby union with Yorkshire Carnegie brought a new challenge before retirement from professional sport in 2016.

Return to Leeds & Coaching (2018–Present)

The transition from player to leader continued with a return to Leeds Rhinos as the club’s first Director of Rugby (2018–2021). Rugby union then came calling, with a move to Leicester Tigers as Defence Coach (2021–2022), helping the club to a Premiership title.

The Next Mission – Fighting for MND (2020–Present)

After his former teammate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Kevin turned his focus to fundraising:

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, creating an unforgettable moment of friendship and unity.
2024: Running home for Christmas. Kevin and his team ran over 50km a day for 7 days across different regions of the UK.

Honours & Recognition

MBE (2014): Services to Rugby League

OBE (2021): Services to Rugby League and fundraising

CBE (2024): Services to MND awareness (alongside Rob Burrow)

England

Current Assistant Coach to the England national rugby union team.

The Legacy Continues

A career built on loyalty, resilience, and teamwork has evolved into something even bigger – helping others, leading by example, and showing what’s possible when people come together.

Kevin Sinfield

Running Home for Christmas

Kevin Sinfield CBE and team are raising money for Motor Neurone Disease Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, MND Scotland and The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

The challenge begins on 1st December 2024 with a run from Liverpool to Wrexham, before we head to Gloucester, Bristol, and Belfast. We will head to Glasgow and then on to Hull, Northampton, and Leicester, before heading to Manchester and then home to Saddleworth on 7th December 2024.

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