Kevin Sinfield, the former Leeds Rhinos rugby league player, is being awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours for fundraising efforts supporting people affected by motor neurone disease (MND). Multiple outlets report that the honour is linked to his friendship with Rob Burrow, his former Leeds Rhinos teammate, who was diagnosed with MND in December 2019 and later died. Sinfield, who played rugby league for England between 2000 and 2013, has since raised millions for MND charities in Burrow’s memory, with one report placing the figure at more than £11 million. The Guardian and other coverage add that Sinfield says he will continue his support for those living with MND after receiving the honour. BBC News also highlights reactions from the Burrow family, including Rob Burrow’s wife expressing delight and describing Sinfield as a “friend” others should have. The reporting also notes that Sinfield is the second former rugby league player to be knighted, following Billy Boston’s elevation last year.