Kevin Sinfield's wife of 20 years: Meet the woman behind rugby's newest knight

Saturday, 13 June 2026 at 07:53

byRugby Rucker

While Kevin Sinfield is set to receive a knighthood for his extraordinary fundraising efforts and stellar rugby career, the Leeds Rhinos legend has always been quick to credit one person above all others – his wife, Jayne.

The couple have been together for more than two decades after first meeting on a night out in Oldham when Sinfield was just 20 years old.

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Despite becoming one of the most recognisable figures in British sport, Sinfield has always kept his family life relatively private. However, he offered a rare glimpse into their relationship in his autobiography, where he paid a heartfelt tribute to the woman who has stood beside him throughout his journey.

"I couldn't have hoped for a better wife"

Reflecting on their relationship, Sinfield wrote:

"Jayne and I met when I was twenty on a night out in Oldham. Without her I couldn't have done any of this. I couldn't have hoped for a better wife, companion or friend."

The touching words underline the importance of Jayne's support throughout a career that has seen Sinfield win seven Super League titles with Leeds Rhinos, captain England and later become one of the country's most admired fundraisers.

Supporting him every step of the way

While Jayne has largely stayed away from the spotlight, she has remained a constant presence behind the scenes during some of the most challenging periods of Kevin's life.

That includes his remarkable fundraising efforts for motor neurone disease charities following the diagnosis of his close friend and former teammate Rob Burrow in 2019.

The former Leeds and England star has since raised more than £11 million through a series of gruelling endurance challenges, capturing the hearts of the nation in the process.

As Sinfield prepares to become "Sir Kevin", many would argue the honour is also a reflection of the support system around him – led by the wife he describes as his best friend, companion and greatest supporter.

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in 2022 — a sign that he had become much more than just a rugby player.

Here are 10 quirky facts about Kevin Sinfield that go beyond the usual trophy list:

1. He played over 500 games for just one club

In an era of transfers and big-money moves, Sinfield spent his entire professional rugby league career with the Leeds Rhinos, making more than 500 appearances and becoming arguably the greatest captain in the club's history.

2. His son is following in his footsteps

Kevin's son, Jack Sinfield, is a professional rugby league player himself, having come through the Leeds Rhinos system before moving to Wakefield Trinity.

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3. He's a football fan at heart

Despite becoming a rugby icon, Sinfield grew up supporting Oldham Athletic and regularly attended matches before his own sporting career took off.

4. He switched rugby codes late in his career

After becoming a Leeds Rhinos legend, he surprised many by moving to rugby union with Yorkshire Carnegie in 2015, proving he wasn't afraid of a new challenge.

5. He was runner-up to Andy Murray

In 2015, Sinfield became the first rugby league player ever shortlisted for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, finishing second to Andy Murray.

6. His brother was an international rugby player too

Rugby runs in the family. Kevin's older brother, Ian Sinfield, represented Scotland in rugby league.

7. He has completed some ridiculous endurance challenges

Since Rob Burrow's MND diagnosis, Sinfield has run seven marathons in seven days, 101 miles in 24 hours, multiple ultra-marathons, and countless other fundraising feats.

8. He's raised more than most charities dream of

His fundraising efforts for motor neurone disease have helped generate well over £15 million and transformed awareness of the condition across the UK.