Arise, Sir Kevin! Sinfield one of three England coaches honoured in King’s Birthday List
Kevin Sinfield, Emily Scarratt and Gary Street are honoured.
England men’s assistant coach and MND fundraiser Kevin Sinfield admits he is “deeply honoured” to have been awarded a Knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours.
In a glittering career, Great Britain and England rugby league great Sinfield captained Leeds Rhinos to an incredible 15 major honours in an 18-year playing stint.
Sinfield then forged a successful career in coaching, firstly as Performance Director for the Rugby Football League, before switching codes to union with Leicester.
Sinfield would help the Tigers secure a Gallagher Prem title in 2021/22 before he took up the opportunity to join Steve Borthwick’s staff with England‘s men’s team.
Deeply honoured
He was awarded an MBE in 2014 in recognition of his outstanding playing career and subsequently an OBE in 2021 for his work in raising awareness and funds for those impacted by MND. In 2024, Sinfield and his friend and former team-mate Rob Burrow were awarded a CBE for their contribution to the MND community and rugby league.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive this award on behalf of the rugby and MND communities,” Sinfield said.
“I was privileged to play with some great players for my club and country and made friendships for life. That is the special thing about rugby, of either code; the team-mates you make on the pitch are by your side off the field long after you hang up your boots. That is something I always say to young boys and girls when they ask about playing rugby and the bonds you make, through the good and the tough times.
“My playing career was everything I could ever have dreamed of as a young man, but the last seven years have given me so much inspiration. The MND community are the very best of us and it has been my privilege to support them and put their battle on the stage it needs. As always, I continue to be inspired by the courage that Rob Burrow showed in his battle with the disease and he is never far from my thoughts.
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“We have raised so much awareness and funds to support families and aid research but more needs to be done. We have to continue the fight for the 5,000 people who are living with MND in the UK today and the six people who will be diagnosed tomorrow and the next day. I am pleased that this honour allows me to continue to raise awareness and I am looking forward to joining up with the 7 in 7 team again in September for our seventh and final annual challenge.”
England men’s head coach, Borthwick, said: “Kevin’s commitment to others sets an incredible example for all of us. Having seen the impact of his challenges first-hand, I know the difference he makes to people and communities. No one is more deserving of this recognition.”
Sinfield isn’t the only England coach to be recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours as 2014 World Cup-winning boss Gary Street has been honoured with an MBE.
Taking over as England women’s head coach in 2007, Street is one of the most influential figures there has been in women’s rugby.
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He oversaw an unprecedented period of success over an eight-year period, winning a Six Nations title in each of his first six seasons in charge, including five Grand Slams, alongside two Nations Cup triumphs. His crowning achievement came in 2014 when he guided his country to Rugby World Cup glory in Paris, defeating Canada 21-9 to secure a first world title since 1994.
His leadership and advocacy for the women’s game has helped inspire a generation of players and supporters, change the perceptions of many and create the platform from which the current Red Roses continue to thrive.
Since suffering a stroke in 2024, Street has received an outpouring of love and support from past and present players whose journeys he has helped shape, all of whom will be delighted to see him awarded with his honour.
Street’s wife, Helen, commented: “Gary is incredibly honoured and grateful to receive an MBE. Rugby has given so much to him throughout his life, and we owe a huge debt of thanks to everyone who has been part of that journey.
“Winning the 2014 Rugby World Cup remains one of the proudest and most memorable moments of his life, and it has been truly inspiring to see how far the women’s game has come since then. The growth and success of women’s rugby today is something everyone involved should be proud of.
“The kindness and support that Gary has received over the past couple of years has meant more than words can express. This recognition is one he is proud to share with all those who have been part of his rugby journey.”
Lastly, Red Roses’ all-time leading points scorer, Emily Scarratt, who had outstanding 17-year playing career at the top of the game, has been recognised with an OBE.
She earned 119 Red Roses caps, won two World Cups, lifted 11 Six Nations titles, represented Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics as captain, and claimed Commonwealth bronze with England Sevens.
Since retiring in October 2025, Scarratt – alongside her coaching duties at Loughborough Lightning – has been a key part of the Red Roses’ coaching team, helping reshape and evolve England’s attack as they earned a fifth consecutive Guinness Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam, and eighth title in a row.
Huge honour
Away from the field, the 2019 World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of women’s rugby as co-host of the award-winning podcast The Good, The Scaz & The Rugby.
“It’s a huge honour and incredibly humbling to be named on the King’s Birthday Honours list,” Scarratt said.
“Every moment and memory in the game has been shaped by the people around me. Rugby wouldn’t be the same without the volunteers, coaches, teammates, staff and supporters who give so much to the sport. The lifelong friendships and experiences rugby has given me are something I will never take for granted, and I’m proud to share this recognition with everyone who has been part of that journey.”
Red Roses head coach, John Mitchell OBE, said: “Emily is a truly deserving recipient of this honour, having made an outstanding contribution to our sport over an extended period. Thousands of women, young girls and boys have benefited from her example as a role model, and there is no doubt that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Red Roses for many years to come.”