England football legend the first to congratulate Sir Kevin Sinfield

Sir Kevin Sinfield has revealed that Alan Shearer was the first to offer congratulations as part of an “overwhelming” response to his knighthood that has made him appreciate his return to England duties.

Sinfield was recently honoured for services to rugby and for his fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease, which began after his best friend and former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the neurological condition in 2019.

The 45-year-old is currently in Johannesburg helping England prepare for Saturday’s clash with South Africa in his role as assistant coach and since entering camp has been on the receiving end of some good natured banter from players.

Sinfield said: “The lads have been fantastic. I got a bit of stick early doors but it’s all been in good jest and it’s been fantastic. They’ve been calling me Sir Kev! I’m just Kev, so I’m trying to work through that!

“I’ve had some great messages and the first one after it was announced was from Alan Shearer, which is pretty special.

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“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.

“We went out for a team event the other night in our retro sports shirts and I’m very proud to have worn my Shearer 96 top!

“It’s been great to come into camp, come away to South Africa and to be cocooned away from the noise.

“I experienced it as a player being able to shut the noise out, but being here as a coach has been great because I’ve been a bit overwhelmed by the support back home.”

Sinfield has raised more than £ 11 million for MND causes by completing multiple ultra-marathon challenges as a tribute to Burrow after the pair spent their entire playing careers at Leeds.

When asked what Burrow would have made of his knighthood, Sinfield replied: “I think he’d have thought it was hilarious, but I think he’d have been really proud.”

“He felt part of an MND family. He’d have been really proud of the work we’ve continued in his name and how important it is.

“He’d have given me some stick about it but he’d have been really happy for me, I’m sure.”