Knighted Sinfield reveals Alan Shearer sent the first congratulations ahead of England's South Africa tour

Kevin Sinfield has revealed that Alan Shearer was the first person to congratulate him on his knighthood, describing the message from the former England striker as “pretty special” as he settles into England’s camp ahead of Saturday’s Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Sinfield was awarded his knighthood for services to rugby and for raising more than £11 million for Motor Neurone Disease charities — a campaign he began after his best friend and former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the condition in 2019. The 45-year-old completed multiple ultra-marathon challenges as a tribute to Burrow, with whom he spent his entire playing career at Leeds.

“I’ve had some great messages and the first one after it was announced was from Alan Shearer, which is pretty special,” Sinfield said. “I know Alan a little bit. He got massively involved with Rob in supporting MND charities. Rob was a huge fan of Alan’s. Anybody who grew up in that era watching Alan play and the goals he scored would be a fan. It was a lovely message to receive.”

Sinfield added that he wore a Shearer 96 retro shirt during a team event in South Africa, saying he was “very proud” to have done so.

Inside the England camp, the new knight has been on the receiving end of good-natured ribbing from the players. “The lads have been fantastic. I got a bit of stick early doors but it’s all been in good jest,” he said. “They’ve been calling me Sir Kev! I’m just Kev, so I’m trying to work through that.”

Sinfield admitted the volume of public support following the announcement had been difficult to process, but said the tour had offered some welcome shelter. “I’ve been a bit overwhelmed by the support back home. Being here as a coach has been great because I’ve been cocooned away from the noise.”

Asked what Burrow — who died in February 2024 — would have made of the honour, Sinfield was characteristically candid. “I think he’d have thought it was hilarious, but I think he’d have been really proud. He’d have given me some stick about it but he’d have been really happy for me, I’m sure.”