Sir Kevin Sinfield CBE is one of the most respected names in British rugby. He first became famous as a long-serving Leeds Rhinos player and captain, then built a second career in rugby coaching. His life later took on an even wider meaning through his friendship with Rob Burrow and his extraordinary work for the Motor Neurone Disease community.
Born in Oldham in 1980, Sinfield rose from local junior rugby to become one of the greatest leaders in Leeds Rhinos history. He won major trophies, captained England, moved into rugby union, became an international coach and raised millions of pounds for charity. His achievements have earned him national honours, including a knighthood in 2026.
Kevin Sinfield Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kevin Sinfield |
| Title | Sir Kevin Sinfield CBE |
| Date of birth | 12 September 1980 |
| Age | 46 years old |
| Birthplace | Oldham, Greater Manchester, England |
| Nationality | British / English |
| Profession | Rugby coach, former player, author, fundraiser and businessman |
| Famous club | Leeds Rhinos |
| Playing position | Loose forward, stand-off, occasional hooker |
| Height | 1.85 m, about 6 ft 1 in |
| Playing weight | About 91 kg |
| Wife | Jayne Sinfield |
| Children | Jack Sinfield and Sam Sinfield |
| Father | Ray Sinfield |
| Mother | Beryl Sinfield |
| Brother | Ian Sinfield |
| Sister | Stephanie Sinfield |
| Education | Saddleworth School, Oldham Sixth Form College, Leeds Beckett University |
| Current role | England rugby union skills and kicking coach |
| Religion | Not officially confirmed |
| Net worth | No verified figure |
| Salary | Not officially disclosed |
Kevin Sinfield Early Life and Family Background
Kevin Sinfield was born on 12 September 1980 in Oldham, Greater Manchester. He grew up in a working-class family where effort, discipline and education were important values.
His father, Ray Sinfield, worked as an electrician. His mother, Beryl Sinfield, played a major role in supporting the family and her children’s interests. Kevin was the youngest of three children.
His older brother, Ian Sinfield, also became a professional rugby league player. Ian represented several clubs and played international rugby league for Scotland. Kevin also has a sister named Stephanie.
Kevin Sinfield Childhood
Rugby became part of his life at an early age. He played junior rugby with Waterhead ARLFC in Oldham and showed strong natural ability.
His calm nature, understanding of the game and accurate kicking helped him develop quickly. Leeds noticed his talent while he was still very young, and he entered the club’s development system as a teenager.
Kevin Sinfield Education
Sinfield attended Saddleworth School before studying at Oldham Sixth Form College.
He studied subjects including mathematics, physics and physical education while also building his rugby career. Managing school work and professional sport required strong discipline.
He later continued his education at Leeds Beckett University. He completed a BSc Honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science in 2008.
In 2015, he completed a master’s degree in Sport Business. The university later awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his sporting achievements and wider contribution.
Kevin Sinfield Professional Career Begins
Sinfield made his first-team debut for Leeds against Sheffield Eagles on 22 August 1997. He was only 16 years old.
That match began a remarkable career with Leeds Rhinos. He spent his entire professional rugby league club career with Leeds, showing unusual loyalty in modern professional sport.
Rise to Leeds Rhinos Captain
Sinfield became Leeds captain in 2003. He quickly became known for his leadership, goal-kicking, tactical awareness and ability to remain calm in major matches.
He usually played as a loose forward or stand-off but could also operate at hooker when needed.
Kevin Sinfield Leeds Rhinos Career
His Leeds career lasted from 1997 until 2015.
He made 521 appearances for the club and scored 3,967 points in Leeds’ current official record. His scoring included tries, goals and drop goals.
More important than his personal numbers was the success Leeds enjoyed while he was captain.
Major Leeds Rhinos Achievements
Sinfield helped Leeds win seven Super League Grand Finals.
The club became champions in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2015. Leeds also won Challenge Cups, World Club Challenge titles and League Leaders’ Shields during his time.
Individual Awards
Sinfield won the Golden Boot in 2012, one of the highest individual honours in international rugby league.
He also won the Lance Todd Trophy and Harry Sunderland Trophy during his career. These awards strengthened his reputation as a player who delivered strong performances in important matches.
The 2015 season gave him a perfect farewell from rugby league. Leeds completed the treble by winning the Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and Super League Grand Final.
Kevin Sinfield International Rugby Career
Sinfield represented both England and Great Britain.
He also captained England and became one of the national side’s most important points scorers. His kicking, leadership and understanding of match situations made him a valuable player in international competition.
His international career added another major chapter to a playing record already filled with club success.
Kevin Sinfield Move to Rugby Union
After leaving Leeds Rhinos, Sinfield switched from rugby league to rugby union.
He joined Yorkshire Carnegie for the 2015–16 season. The move allowed him to experience a different code of rugby before ending his professional playing career in April 2016.
Retirement from playing did not end his involvement in elite sport.
Kevin Sinfield Coaching Career
After retirement, Sinfield moved into leadership and coaching.
He joined the Rugby Football League in a senior performance role. During this period, England reached the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final.
Return to Leeds Rhinos
In 2018, Sinfield returned to Leeds as Director of Rugby.
His job included work with players, recruitment, performance and long-term sporting decisions. Leeds won the Challenge Cup in 2020 during his time in the senior leadership structure.
Leicester Tigers
In 2021, he moved into rugby union coaching with Leicester Tigers.
He became defence coach under Steve Borthwick. Leicester enjoyed an excellent season and won the Premiership title in 2022.
The success showed that Sinfield could transfer his leadership skills from rugby league into elite rugby union.
Kevin Sinfield England Coaching Role
When Steve Borthwick became head coach of the England men’s rugby union team in 2022, Sinfield joined the national coaching staff.
He first worked mainly on defence.
His responsibilities later changed, with greater focus on individual skills, kicking and player mentoring.
He was part of the England coaching team during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where England finished third.
Kevin Sinfield Wife and Marriage
Kevin Sinfield is married to Jayne Sinfield.
Jayne has remained away from the celebrity spotlight, even though her husband has spent decades in elite sport.
Their marriage has been an important part of his personal life. Kevin has spoken warmly about family support throughout his career.
Kevin Sinfield Children
Kevin and Jayne have two sons, Jack and Sam Sinfield.
Jack followed his father into professional rugby league. He developed through the Leeds Rhinos system and made senior appearances.
Sam has kept a much lower media presence.
Sinfield has made it clear that he wants his sons to develop their own lives rather than feel forced to follow his achievements.
Kevin Sinfield Height, Weight and Nationality
Sinfield stands about 1.85 metres tall, which is close to 6 feet 1 inch.
His playing weight was close to 91 kilograms.
He is British and English and was born in Oldham.
His ethnicity has not been clearly stated by Sinfield in a reliable primary source. His religion has also not been officially confirmed, so it is better not to assign a faith to him without direct evidence.
His accent is clearly northern English, shaped by his Oldham background and many years spent in Yorkshire.
Kevin Sinfield Net Worth and Salary
There is no reliable figure confirming Sinfield’s personal net worth.
Many websites publish estimates, but no official financial record confirms a precise personal fortune.
His current England coaching salary is also not openly disclosed.
His income may come from coaching work, books, commercial projects, business interests and professional appearances.
His charity fundraising money does not form part of his personal earnings.
Kevin Sinfield Business Ventures
Sinfield has become involved in business projects beyond rugby.
One important venture is Legacy Locker, a digital service designed to help people organise important documents, memories, messages and wishes for their families.
He has also been connected with Be The Standard, a leadership and performance business built around lessons from elite sport.
Other company interests have included SINF13LD Limited and Grasscroft Heights Management Company Ltd.
Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow
The friendship between Sinfield and Rob Burrow became one of the most powerful stories in British sport.
Burrow, a former Leeds teammate, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2019.
Sinfield responded by creating a series of endurance challenges to raise money and awareness.
Burrow died in June 2024, but his friend continued the mission.
Kevin Sinfield MND Fundraising
Since 2020, Sinfield and his team have raised more than £11 million for MND causes.
His challenges have included marathons, ultramarathons and multi-day endurance events across the United Kingdom.
The money has supported research, families, care services and organisations working with people affected by Motor Neurone Disease.
His work has also helped bring MND into national conversation.
Kevin Sinfield Knighthood and Honours
Sinfield has received several major national honours.
He was awarded an MBE for services to rugby league, followed later by an OBE.
He then received a CBE for his contribution to MND awareness.
In the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, he received a knighthood for services to rugby league, rugby union and the MND community.
He is now formally known as Sir Kevin Sinfield CBE.
Kevin Sinfield Latest News
In September 2026, Sinfield prepared for 7 in 7: The Grand Finale, his seventh and final annual challenge in the series.
The event starts in Hull on 27 September and continues for seven days.
His team plans to complete an ultramarathon each day while visiting the home grounds of all 12 English Super League clubs.
The final day is planned for Old Trafford on 3 October, before the Super League Grand Final.
Although this marks the end of the annual 7 in 7 series, his commitment to the MND community continues.
Kevin Sinfield Legacy
Sinfield’s legacy has several important parts.
As a player, he became one of the greatest captains in Leeds Rhinos history. As a coach, he successfully moved between rugby league and rugby union. As a fundraiser, he helped raise millions for people affected by Motor Neurone Disease.
His friendship with Rob Burrow became a symbol of loyalty, compassion and determination.
From a teenage debutant in Oldham’s wider rugby community to a knighted national coach and charity leader, Kevin Sinfield has built a career based on discipline, courage and service. His influence now reaches far beyond the rugby field, making him one of the most significant British sporting figures of his generation.
FAQs About Kevin Sinfield
1. Who is Kevin Sinfield?
Kevin Sinfield is an English rugby union coach, former professional rugby league player, author and MND fundraiser. He spent his entire professional rugby league club career with Leeds Rhinos and later joined the England rugby union coaching team.
2. How old is Kevin Sinfield?
Kevin Sinfield was born on 12 September 1980. He is 46 years old as of September 2026.
3. Who are Kevin Sinfield’s parents?
Kevin Sinfield’s parents are Ray Sinfield and Beryl Sinfield. He grew up in a working-class family in Oldham, Greater Manchester, where his parents supported his education and early rugby career.
4. Is Kevin Sinfield married?
Yes. Kevin Sinfield is married to Jayne Sinfield. The couple have two sons, Jack Sinfield and Sam Sinfield.
5. Does Kevin Sinfield have any siblings?
Yes. Kevin Sinfield has an older brother, Ian Sinfield, who also became a professional rugby league player, and a sister named Stephanie Sinfield.
