The New Year’s Honours list will be officially announced this week
Kevin Sinfield (R) embraces former teammate Rob Burrow(Image: Getty Images)
Members of the England women’s rugby and football teams are set to receive gongs in the New Year’s Honours list, but rugby hero Kevin Sinfield will once again miss out on a knighthood due to protocol.
Multiple reports state the Lionesses and Red Roses will rightfully be heavily represented when the New Year’s Honours list is announced later this week after winning the Euros and Rugby World Cup respectively. The likes of Chloe Kelly and Ellie Kildunne are expected to lead the way after a remarkable year of triumph.
Sinfield, however, is not allowed to be knighted because of a Royal protocol that stops anyone having an honour from the King upgraded within a three-year time period. The rule is set to be enforced despite a public campaign for it to be scrapped for Sinfield, such has been his immense work for charity. Nearly 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for him to be given the ultimate honour – just shy of the number needed to spark a debate in parliament.
The 45-year-old received a CBE two years ago.
Kevin Sinfield(Image: PA)
Sinfield completed his latest fundraising challenge earlier this month, raising a further £1.15million for motor neurone disease charities.
The former England rugby league captain and England rugby union coach completed his 7 in 7: Together challenge, running seven ultramarathons of at least 28 miles in seven days across the UK and Ireland.
It was his sixth endurance challenge, having been inspired by his former Rhinos team-mate and best friend Rob Burrow, who died in 2024 having lived with MND for four and a half years.
The latest figure means he has now raised more than £11million for MND charities.
After completing the endurance challenge, Sinfield said: “To the MND community and the people we’ve met on route,” he said.
“All through the last week, all through the past five years, to everybody we’ve met – it’s an absolutely beautiful community. We’ve got to keep fighting for the MND community.”
Prince William and Kevin Sinfield(Image: Photo by Temilade Adelaja – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Prince William has personally reached out to Sinfield in a private message and also said publicly: “Your commitment to Rob and everyone affected by MND is truly inspiring. Thank you for shining a light on the need for research and support, and for the hope and example you bring. Look after those knees!”
Welshman Billy Boston, 91, is the only rugby league player in history to receive a knighthood, which he was awarded last year.
Elsewhere, Rory McIlroy is expected to receive an upgrade to the MBE he was awarded in 2011 after winning the Masters in April to complete the grand slam of major golf tournaments.