Tragic Rob Burrow’s family slams ‘disgraceful’ New Year’s knighthood ‘snub’ for rugby legend and MND fundraiser Kevin Sinfield

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Rob Burrow’s father has slammed the ‘disgraceful’ New Year’s Honours system after MND fundraiser Kevin Sinfield was denied a knighthood once again.
Geoff Burrow has called for the rugby legend to become ‘Sir Kev’ for his gruelling charity challenges in honour of his late teammate Rob.
The pair, who both played for Leeds Rhinos, raised £16million together after Rob was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019 at the age of 41.
Last month, Kevin, 44, also ran seven ultra-marathons in seven days and added another seven-figure sum to the pot following Rob’s death in June.
He was awarded a CBE last year and Whitehall sources have suggested that honours cannot be upgraded for at least three years.
However, Geoff has now called for the rules to be overlooked as he renewed calls for the rugby legend to receive a knighthood.
He told The Mirror: ‘Disgraceful that Kevin has been overlooked again for a knighthood.
‘Nevermind the “rules”, get Kevin knighted.’

Geoff Burrow (pictured) has called for the rugby legend to receive a knighthood for his gruelling charity challenges in honour of his late teammate Rob

Kevin Sinfield is pictured carrying his friend the late Rob Burrow over the finish line before he passed away

Rob Burrow (second from left) with (from left to right) father Geoff Burrow, wife Lindsey and mother Irene
It comes as fans and other well known faces in sport have expressed their dismay at Kevin’s omission from the New Year’s Honours list.
Martin Johnston, a former semi pro footballer who was diagnosed with MND in August 2018, posted images of Kevin and Gareth Southgate on X.
He wrote: ‘One was paid £5m a year to beat teams like Slovakia in Extra Time, but ultimately fail.
‘The other has put his body on the line to raise over £11m in honour of his friend and the MND community who are in desperate need of treatments.
‘Guess which one has been given a Knighthood?’
In the past, Sinfield has played down talk that he deserves a knighthood – insisting the Government should focus on continuing to fund research into motor neurone disease instead.
He said in 2021: ‘It’s really nice but I’d much rather the Government keep giving funds to MND and to try and find a cure.
‘It’s not about that (honours). The big driver is the Rob Burrow Care Centre in Leeds. It’s really important to all of us. The sooner we can get that open the better.’

Sinfield and Burrow previously starred alongside each other in Rugby League for Leeds Rhinos

Burrow (pictured with wife Lindsey) was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Years Honours List
However, his fans on social media have continued to disagree.
One posted: ‘The fact that Kevin Sinfield and John Burkhill continue to be overlooked for knighthoods, is a national disgrace.’
‘How the hell has Kevin Sinfield not been knighted in the honours list, yet Gareth Southgate has. Mind-boggling,’ another commented.
His former Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob was diagnosed with MND in 2019, just two years after retiring from a 17-season league career.
When Kevin took part in his gruelling challenge for his late friend in December, the Prince and Princess of Wales sent him a message of support.
Prince William took to social media to film a heartwarming clip from him and Kate Middleton, as he wished The England rugby union coach ‘good luck’.
‘Kevin Catherine and I just want to wish you the very best of luck for what’s going to be a very gruelling week raising money and awareness around MND,’ William said in the video, shared on X.
‘What you and rob have achieved has been incredible. It’s a very fitting tribute to his legacy, what you’re achieving again this week.
‘I’m sure you’ll be running with him in your mind the whole way round, so the very best of luck from Catherine and I. We’ll be thinking of you all week. Good luck.’

Sinfield (left) and Burrow (right) played together for Leeds Rhinos, and their bond grew even stronger after Burrow’s diagnosis

Kevin Sinfield, with Rob Burrow, being interviewed at Headingley Stadium after completing the Extra Mile Challenge from Leicester to Leeds on November 23, 2021
Earlier this summer, William and Kate led touching tributes to inspirational former rugby star and motor neurone disease sufferer Rob, who died aged 41.
The official X account of Prince William and Princess Kate posted a touching message and expressed their condolences to the brave legend’s family.
The post read: ‘A legend of Rugby League, Rob Burrow had a huge heart.
‘He taught us, ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’. Catherine and I send our love to Lindsey, Jackson, Maya and Macy.’ It was signed off with a W for William.
In January, the Prince of Wales honoured Rob for his charitable efforts, telling him ‘we’re all so proud of you’ while visiting Headingley Stadium in Leeds to present the rugby legend with his CBE.
The royal also presented Rob with the medal – still in its box – as he lauded the former athlete’s legacy and efforts in campaigning.
‘Thank you and congratulations – for all the inspirational work you’ve done, Rob,’ Prince William said as the sporting icon was surrounded by his beaming wife and their children. ‘You’ve been amazing, you really have and everyone’s so proud of you.
‘We’ve all been following your case. You’ve changed so many people’s lives with MND with what you’ve done. We’re all so proud of you.’