Sir Kevin Sinfield reflects on friendship and lifelong connection to Leeds Beckett at Sport Hall of Fame Induction

One of the inaugural inductees to the Hall of Fame in 2025, Sir Kevin was formally presented with his award and reflected on the role Leeds Beckett has played throughout his career, from student and athlete to coach, fundraiser and one of the most respected figures in British sport.

A Leeds Rhinos legend, former England captain and current coach, Sir Kevin was recently awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours for services to Rugby League, Rugby Union and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) community.

Speaking about his induction, Sir Kevin described the recognition as one of the most meaningful honours of his career.

"It's probably the one I worked the most for, if I'm being honest," he said.

"It's a real honour. I spent eight years here studying, which is quite a lot. You just have to look at that wall and some of the names on it, it's a who's who. I'm delighted to be inducted.

"I've got some great friends on there as well, some rugby league teammates who I've played with and spent some great time with. I loved my time here."

Sir Kevin graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Science in 2008 before returning to complete an MA in Sport Business in 2015. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Sports Science in 2019 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport.

Reflecting on his time as a student, he spoke about balancing elite sport, family life and academic study.

"I think the great thing was getting the balance right in my life," he said.

"When you come up to big games and you've got assignments that need to be in and exams, they were difficult moments and challenges, but I wouldn't have changed it.

"I'm so proud of the fact that I stuck with it and got through it.”

In recent years, Leeds Beckett has proudly supported Sir Kevin's extraordinary fundraising efforts for the MND community. Inspired by his friendship with former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Leeds Beckett alumnus and fellow Honorary Graduate Rob Burrow CBE, Sir Kevin's challenges have raised millions of pounds for MND charities and transformed awareness of the disease.

Many members of the Leeds Beckett community have played a role in supporting those challenges, something Sir Kevin was keen to recognise during his visit.

"The university has given me some friends for life and I'm really proud about that," he said.

"We started out on this journey trying to raise a bit of money and awareness for a mate. The fact that a group of friends have come together to continue and fight and push on has been incredible, and some of those friendships were born here."

Asked what message he hoped his Hall of Fame induction would send to current and future students, Sir Kevin highlighted the importance of character, teamwork and community.

"To become a champion, you've got to be a champion at home and be a good person," he said.

"There are so many life lessons I got from being here, but also understanding how important it is to be part of a team.

"I think it's a great university. The people it attracts want to help, want to be better and it's a great environment to be in."

Peter Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport, said:

"Kevin embodies everything the Leeds Beckett Sport Hall of Fame was created to celebrate. His achievements in rugby are extraordinary, but it is his leadership, humility and commitment to helping others that have had an even greater impact. Through his fundraising work, inspired by his friendship with Rob Burrow, he has shown how sport can be a powerful force for good. We are proud to recognise Kevin's outstanding contribution to sport and society through his induction into the Hall of Fame."

The Leeds Beckett Sport Hall of Fame celebrates alumni, honorary graduates and sporting figures whose achievements, leadership and impact have left a lasting mark on sport and society. Sir Kevin's induction recognises not only one of rugby's most decorated careers, but also the values of friendship, resilience and service that continue to inspire people across the world.