Rugby legend and fundraiser extraordinaire Kevin Sinfield CBE has said he is "humbled" after receiving an honorary degree from the University of Leeds.

The Oldhamer received the degree during a ceremony at University’s Grade II-listed Great Hall on Wednesday, July 24.

Sinfield, known as 'Sir Kev' by many, received the Doctor of Laws in light of his sporting and fundraising achievements.

The 43-year-old said: “This is a huge honour and I am humbled to receive the degree alongside graduates who have worked incredibly hard.

“Whether its sport or business, life is about getting the best out of people, providing them with a platform to do what they are incredibly talented at.”

Sinfield was he was humbled to receive the huge honourSinfield was he was humbled to receive the huge honour (Image: University of Leeds)

After a long playing career with Leeds Rhinos, Sinfield's post-playing career has seen him take on coaching roles and incredible fundraising challenges to raise money for charities associated with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

He began raising money for MND charities after his former teammate and friend Rob Burrow was diagnosed with it in 2019, before the disease claimed Burrow's life in June.

Sinfield is now preparing for his next fundraising challenge, which will see him run 50km every day for a week in December.

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He said: “Rob’s passing doesn’t change anything. This is about ensuring that his legacy lives on. It is a community that we need to support.”

So far, Sinfield's efforts have seen more than £15m raised for MND charities.

Sinfield said his former temmate Rob Burrow's passing doesn't change anything when it comes to fundraising effortsSinfield said his former temmate Rob Burrow's passing doesn't change anything when it comes to fundraising efforts (Image: University of Leeds)

He received his honorary degree last week alongside Professor Peter Buckley OBE, a former Professor of International Business at the University of Leeds, and Sir Alan Langlands, former Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, said: “The graduation ceremonies are a highlight of the academic year for all of us in the University community and I would like to offer my congratulations to those graduating this year.

“For more than a century, we have also conferred honorary awards on individuals who embody excellence across a wide range of disciplines. Our honorary graduands this year are role models for today’s students and provide inspiration for us all.”