Kevin Sinfield: Leeds Rhinos great knighted in King's Birthday Honours as Luke Donald, Emily Scarratt, Shaun Murphy made OBEs

Kevin Sinfield has been knighted in the King's Birthday Honours in recognition of his glittering rugby league career and subsequent fundraising exploits to aid research and support families affected by Motor Neurone Disease.

The 45-year-old, who has raised over £11m since being inspired by his friend and Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow's battle against the disease in 2020, tops the list of sports stars recognised for their contributions to their sports and charities.

Two-time Ryder Cup winning captain Luke Donald, snooker player Shaun Murphy and retired England Red Roses player Emily Scarratt are made OBEs, while England U21 coach Lee Carsley, and six members of the Lionesses squad who helped retain their European title last year, are made MBEs.

Sinfield has completed six endurance challenges, inspired by Burrow, who died in 2024 after living with MND for four-and-a-half years.

Sinfield's latest test will see him run an ultra marathon every day for seven days, where he will start at Hull KR on September 28 and call in at the grounds of the 11 other English top-flight rugby league clubs along the way.

The '7 in 7: The Grand Finale' venture is set to finish on the pitch at Old Trafford ahead of the Super League Grand Final on Saturday October 3.