Prince William has praised Sir Kevin Sinfield following the rugby league legend’s recent knighthood, saying he believes the current England defence coach should have received the honour years ago.

Sinfield officially became Sir Kevin earlier this month after receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle.

He was recognised for his services to rugby league, rugby union and the motor neurone disease (MND) community.

While his playing career brought him widespread acclaim, Sinfield has become equally admired for his fundraising efforts in memory of his former teammate and close friend, Rob Burrow, who died from MND in 2024.

His latest challenge saw him complete seven ultra marathons in seven days to raise money for MND charities.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Prince William paid tribute to Sinfield’s extraordinary efforts and the positive influence he has had on communities across the country.

"I think frankly he should have been Sir Kevin years ago," said Prince William.

"What Kevin does, is he can bind and glue communities together by being that leader. The more Kevs we have in this country the better."

The prince also reflected on the impact of Burrow’s death, revealing that he had written to Rob’s wife, Lindsey, and their children, Macy, Maya and Jackson, following his passing.

William said he was deeply impressed by the way Lindsey had dealt with the loss of her husband, describing her response as one of quiet dignity.

He explained that the letter came from both his position as a member of the Royal Family and his understanding of the pain involved in losing a parent.

"Everyone grieves differently and every circumstance is different so you need to take your time over it," he said. "It's always better to say something around grief than it is to ignore it."

During the BBC Breakfast interview, William also paid tribute to former Scotland rugby union international Doddie Weir, who dedicated much of his later life to raising awareness of MND before his death in 2022.

Pick your England XV:

Your turn, England fans! Who makes your starting XV? Take charge, make the big calls and pick your dream England team below.

Kevin Sinfield facts:

10 Humble beginnings

Born in Oldham in 1980, Sinfield first found his feet in rugby league with Waterhead ARLFC before joining Leeds in 1997 at just 16.

Leadership came naturally from an early age too. While attending Saddleworth School, he was appointed head boy. Those humble beginnings would eventually lead to a remarkable career at the very top of rugby league.

9 A lifelong football fan

Away from rugby league, football has always been another major passion. Sinfield grew up supporting Oldham Athletic and regularly attended matches before his own sporting career took off.

Even after becoming one of rugby league's biggest names, his connection with the club has remained strong. It is a part of his identity that has stayed with him throughout his career.

8 Family man

Family has remained at the heart of Sinfield's life despite everything he has achieved in sport and fundraising.

He has been married to Jayne for more than two decades after the pair met during a night out in Oldham. Sinfield has described her as his wife, companion, friend and greatest supporter.

Their son Jack has since followed him into professional rugby league, continuing the family's sporting tradition.

7 His friendship with Rob Burrow

One of the most important relationships in Sinfield's life began during his playing days at Leeds. His friendship with former team-mate Rob Burrow would eventually become about far more than rugby league.

Following Burrow's MND diagnosis in 2019, Sinfield dedicated a series of fundraising challenges to his friend and the wider MND community. Their bond continued to grow, with both men later receiving the Freedom of the City of Leeds.

6 First MND challenge

The first major fundraising challenge came in 2020 when Sinfield set himself the task of running seven marathons in seven days for Burrow and the MND Association.

His initial target was £77,777, but the public response quickly surpassed expectations. By the time he crossed the finish line of his seventh marathon, more than £1.2 million had been raised.

5 The incredible work that followed

That first challenge proved to be just the start. Sinfield continued to push himself through a series of increasingly difficult endurance events, raising millions for MND causes along the way.

Among his challenges have been a 101-mile run from Leicester to Leeds and seven ultramarathons in seven days. By June 2026, his fundraising total had passed £11 million.

4 A lasting legacy

Recognition has followed for both Sinfield's achievements in rugby and his work away from the pitch.

He was appointed an MBE in 2014, followed by an OBE in 2021 and a CBE in 2024. Then, in the 2026 Birthday Honours, he was knighted for services to rugby league, rugby union and the MND community.

That made him only the second rugby league player ever to receive a knighthood.

3 His son carrying on the sporting tradition

The Sinfield name remains a familiar one in rugby league, with Jack following in his father's footsteps.

After coming through the Leeds Rhinos system, the younger Sinfield moved to Wakefield Trinity and signed a three-year deal from 2026.

2 Remarkable rugby league career

For the entirety of his professional rugby league career, Sinfield represented Leeds, making 521 appearances and scoring 3,967 points.

As captain, he lifted seven Super League titles and two Challenge Cups, while also winning the Golden Boot in 2012. Internationally, he earned 26 England caps and 14 for Great Britain before retiring in 2015.

1 The recognition he truly deserves

What Sinfield has achieved away from rugby league has become just as significant as his playing career.

In 2015, he became the first rugby league player nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, finishing second before receiving the programme's Special Award in 2022.

His knighthood in 2026 added another major honour to a career that has left a lasting mark on both rugby and the MND community.