Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield received a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising his stellar rugby league career and a fundraising crusade that has generated over £11 million for motor neurone disease research and family support. The 45‑year‑old’s six endurance challenges, inspired by late teammate Rob Burrow, cement his status as sport’s most honoured philanthropist.

The list also includes two‑time Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, snooker star Shaun Murphy and former England rugby union winger Emily Scarratt, all appointed OBEs for services to sport and charity. England U21 coach Lee Carsley and six Lionesses who retained the European title earned MBEs, while Wakefield great Neil Fox secured a CBE for his historic scoring record.

Sinfield’s next feat, the "7 in 7: The Grand Finale" ultra‑marathon, will see him run a daily marathon from Hull KR to Old Trafford, culminating on the Super League Grand Final day. The honour highlights the growing impact of athletes leveraging their platforms for health causes, underscoring a new era where sporting achievement and charitable legacy intertwine.