Kevin Sinfield’s latest superhuman effort for Motor Neurone Disease has reignited nationwide calls for him to be knighted — with Piers Morgan among the high-profile voices demanding action. Yet despite the momentum, the Leeds Rhinos legend is reportedly ineligible for the honour this year.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
Sinfield completed his sixth endurance challenge on Sunday, finishing in emotional fashion at Headingley. True to form, he’s wasting no time: his seventh and final challenge has already been confirmed. Set for late September 2026, he will start in Hull, visit all 12 English Super League clubs and several others, before finishing at Old Trafford on Super League Grand Final day.
It echoes his memorable 2022 challenge, which also concluded at Old Trafford during the Rugby League World Cup final. But despite these annual feats of bravery and selflessness, the honours system appears to be holding firm.
Reports suggest honours cannot be upgraded within three years of being awarded. With Sinfield receiving a CBE in 2024, he may have to wait until at least next year for a knighthood many feel is long overdue.
Piers Morgan is one of those speaking out. Backing the Daily Mirror’s campaign to “make him Sir Kev,” the broadcaster wrote on X: “Totally agree with today’s Mirror splash headline. Few more deserving candidates for a knighthood than Kevin Sinfield after another astonishing achievement from this remarkable man who does do much for @mndassoc”
Morgan also urged fans to donate to Sinfield’s fundraising page, which has already passed £1.3 million.
Whether the honours committee moves soon or not, public opinion is clear: Kevin Sinfield’s remarkable dedication to the MND community deserves the highest recognition.
EDITORS PICKS:
2027 Rugby World Cup draw confirmed:
Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:
Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada
2027 Rugby World Cup draw:
Pool A
New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.
Pool B
South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.
Pool C
Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.
Pool D
Ireland – Well-drilled, intelligent, and ruthlessly efficient across the park.
Scotland – Creative attackers with growing confidence and slick backline play.
Uruguay – Tenacious, organized, and fearless against bigger rugby nations.
Portugal – Exciting, fast-paced, and thriving with a young, fearless core.
Pool E
France – Electric, unpredictable, and capable of brilliance from anywhere.
Japan – High-tempo, disciplined, and tactically sharp—they never stop moving.
USA – Athletic and physical, with a growing pool of exciting talent.
Samoa – Bone-shaking tackles, powerful runners, and trademark island flair.
Pool F
England – Structured, strategic, and capable of grinding down any opponent.
Wales – Proud, passionate, and dangerous when the momentum swings their way.
Tonga – Heavy hitters with explosive power and fearless intensity.
Zimbabwe – Energetic and ambitious, bringing speed and spirit to every contest.
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players
From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!
More Quizzes: