Who Am I?
Kevin Sinfield was born on September 12, 1980, in Oldham, England. Growing up in a rugby-loving town, he developed a passion for the sport from a young age. He joined Waterhead ARLFC, a local amateur rugby league club, where he quickly showed talent and determination. His hard work and dedication earned him a place in the Leeds Rhinos academy, and by the age of 16, he made his first-team debut for the club. Even as a teenager, Sinfield was known for his discipline and leadership, qualities that would shape his career and make him one of the sport’s most respected figures.
What Am I Known For?
Kevin Sinfield is a former professional rugby league player best known for his incredible success with the Leeds Rhinos, who he captained to numerous victories, including seven Super League Grand Final wins, three World Club Challenge titles and two Challenge Cups. Sinfield was widely respected for his leadership, skill and determination on the field, earning him the nickname “Sir Kev” among fans. He also represented England and Great Britain at the international level, proving himself as one of the greatest rugby league players of his generation. His dedication, sportsmanship and ability to perform under pressure made him a true role model in the sport.
After retiring from rugby, Sinfield became known for his extraordinary efforts to raise money and awareness for motor neurone disease (MND). His close friend and former teammate, Rob Burrow, was diagnosed with MND in 2019, inspiring Sinfield to take on gruelling endurance challenges to support the cause. He has completed several fundraising feats, including running seven marathons in seven days and tackling ultra-distance runs, raising millions of pounds for MND research and care. His selflessness, perseverance and loyalty have made him a hero both on and off the pitch, showing that true strength goes beyond sport and into helping others in need.
Image: Gerard Barrau, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons