Former Professional Rugby Player for Leeds Rhinos & England, Avid Charity Fundraiser for the MND Association & No.1 Sunday Times Bestselling Author of ‘Extra Mile’
Sir Kevin Sinfield’s Biography:
Sir Kevin Sinfield is a legendary former England rugby league player, seven-time Super League champion and inspirational charity fundraiser, renowned for his extraordinary contributions to rugby and motor neurone disease (MND) awareness. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Super League history, Kevin spent almost his entire professional playing career with Leeds Rhinos, becoming the club’s all-time leading points scorer. Beyond his sporting achievements, he has captured the nation’s admiration through his remarkable fundraising challenges in support of his former teammate and close friend, Rob Burrow. In 2026, Kevin was awarded a Knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising his outstanding charitable contributions.
Kevin began his rugby career at Waterhead ARLFC before joining Leeds Rhinos, making his first-team debut in 1997 at just 16 years old. Selected for England’s 2000 Rugby League World Cup squad, he scored a hat-trick against Russia and subsequently represented both England and Great Britain. Appointed Leeds captain in 2003, Kevin led the team to its first Super League Grand Final victory the following year, ending a 32-year wait for a league title. Across his distinguished career, he secured seven Super League titles, two Challenge Cups and three World Club Challenge victories. Following his retirement, Kevin moved into leadership positions with the Rugby Football League and Leeds Rhinos before coaching Leicester Tigers and England.
Kevin’s commitment to MND fundraising began following Rob Burrow’s diagnosis, inspiring a series of extraordinary endurance challenges. In 2020, he completed seven marathons in seven days, raising more than £1 million, before running 101 miles in under 24 hours in 2021. The following year, he completed seven ultramarathons in seven days, generating £1.5 million for MND causes. In 2023, Kevin completed the Leeds Marathon while pushing Rob’s wheelchair, carrying his friend across the finish line in an unforgettable display of friendship and determination. His fundraising efforts have since inspired widespread public support for the MND community.
Kevin’s remarkable achievements have earned him widespread recognition, including the Lance Todd Trophy, two Harry Sunderland Trophies and the 2012 Golden Boot. In 2015, he became the first rugby league player nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, finishing second. His contributions to sport and charity have also been recognised through an MBE, OBE, CBE and Knighthood. In 2023, Kevin published The Extra Mile: My Autobiography, which became a No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller and was named among The Times’ Sports Books of the Year 2023. The book subsequently won the 2024 Sports Bestseller Award and Overall Sports Book of the Year, in association with The Sunday Times. Through his extraordinary sporting career, charitable achievements and personal experiences, Kevin continues to inspire audiences with powerful lessons in leadership, resilience, friendship and determination.
The BBC One documentary Thank You Sir Kev, broadcast in October 2026, offers a personal insight into the values that have shaped Kevin’s life beyond professional rugby. Made by BBC Breakfast, it explores his upbringing, his friendship with Rob Burrow and the determination behind seven endurance challenges that have helped raise more than £13 million for motor neurone disease charities. Testimony from his parents, Rob’s family and people affected by MND illustrates how his actions have inspired support across the country. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales captures that admiration, saying: “Knighting Sinfield was the easiest decision of my life – The more Kevs we have in this country the better.” For keynote audiences, Kevin’s story provides a compelling example of how empathy, personal responsibility and sustained effort can mobilise people around a shared purpose.
Why Hire Sir Kevin Sinfield?
Sir Kevin Sinfield is hired as a motivational speaker for his extraordinary experience of leadership, teamwork and resilience at the highest levels of professional sport. Having captained Leeds Rhinos to multiple championships, he understands the dedication, trust and determination required to build successful teams and maintain exceptional performance under pressure.
His remarkable fundraising challenges offer equally powerful lessons in friendship, perseverance and overcoming adversity. Drawing on his relationship with Rob Burrow and his commitment to the MND community, Kevin delivers deeply moving insights into compassion, personal responsibility and achieving seemingly impossible goals.
Sir Kevin Sinfield’s Career Highlights:
Below are some of Sir Kevin Sinfield’s most notable career milestones:
- 2026 – Awarded a Knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising his exceptional charitable contributions.
- 2024 – Appointed CBE for services to motor neurone disease awareness and charitable fundraising.
- 2024 – Won the Sports Bestseller Award and Overall Sports Book of the Year for The Extra Mile: My Autobiography. 2023 – Completed the Leeds Marathon while pushing Rob Burrow in his wheelchair, carrying him across the finish line.
- 2023 – Published The Extra Mile: My Autobiography, which became a No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller.
- 2023 – Received the Freedom of the City of Leeds alongside Rob Burrow.
- 2022 – Completed seven ultramarathons in seven days, raising £1.5 million for MND causes.
- 2021 – Raised approximately £2 million for MND causes by completing a 101-mile running challenge in under 24 hours.
- 2020 – Completed seven marathons in seven days, raising more than £1 million for MND research and awareness.
- 2015 – Became the first rugby league player nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, finishing second.
Videos
Sir Kevin Sinfield’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Knighting Sinfield was the easiest decision of my life – The more Kevs we have in this country the better.” – HRH The Prince of Wales
“An inspirational and life-affirming read. What Kevin Sinfield has achieved on and off the field is truly remarkable. His inspiring leadership and relentless focus on fundraising for MND shows how we should all strive to care more for each other” – Gareth Southgate
“If you want inspiring, uplifting and empowering… give this amazing man some of your time.” – Jake Humphrey
“Always a captain, always a leader, always a friend, Sir Kevin Sinfield… what a man” – Dan Walker
“I’ve always thought Kevin Sinfield was a hero. His quiet, calm, committed leadership makes people want to support him and we are all doing that as he supports Rob Burrow and everyone living with MND” – Clare Balding
“We are nearly a week past the event, and people are still talking about the hour or so that he spent with us, the messaging and inspiration it has provided has been phenomenal. We can’t thank Kevin or yourselves enough for what a great event it was and the positive impact is has been for those who took part live, virtually or who have watched the recording in the days since. I do know a number of people in the room have re-watched the event already and taken further things for themselves from it. Amazing event, really well received, smooth and efficiently organised.” – Julian, OBE Insurance
“Please could you pass on my heartfelt thanks to Kevin for speaking with our students and staff at TAH today. The presentation was fantastic and truly inspiring. I have already received numerous positive messages from both staff and students following the event. We really appreciated Kevin taking the time to speak one-on-one with students and allow them to take numerous photos! His work for MND charity is very close to my heart and we would like to wish him all the very best with the fundraising and the profile of this disease in the future. Our staff have also personally supported this charity and will continue to do so.” – Kathyrn, Assistant Principal, Trinity Academy Halifax
“Kevin’s story and learnings worked on so many levels from leading at home, being humble, driving excellence and much more. Everyone in our team was truly inspired and throughout the rest of our evening together were all talking about different events in our own lives that relate to what Kevin had to say. Please pass on our immense gratitude to Kevin and hopefully, we can work together at some stage in the future.” – Tesco
“Friday night has been fantastic – Keven absolutely blew everyone away. I have had so many responses from members saying how they enjoyed his presentation. He is indeed a very inspirational individual.” – Rotary in Cumbria & Lancashire
“The event was a huge success, everyone had a great time and Kevin was brilliant!” – Jodie, Marketing and Bid Manager, Ultimate Group
Topics
Sir Kevin Sinfield’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Leadership & High Performance
- Resilience
- Overcoming Adversity
- Teamwork & Collaboration
How Much Does Sir Kevin Sinfield Cost To Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Sir Kevin Sinfield?
The cost of hiring Sir Kevin Sinfield depends on factors such as your event requirements, whether it’s in-person or virtual, and any travel or accommodation needs. To receive an accurate quote, contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for expert guidance.
