Members of the England women’s rugby and football teams are poised to be recognised in the New Year’s Honours list, but rugby legend Kevin Sinfield will once again be overlooked for a knighthood due to Royal protocol. Multiple sources suggest that the Lionesses and Red Roses will deservedly feature prominently in the New Year’s Honours list, set to be unveiled later this week, following their victories in the Euros and Rugby World Cup, respectively.

Standout performers such as Chloe Kelly and Ellie Kildunne are anticipated to be at the forefront after an exceptional year of success. However, Sinfield is ineligible for a knighthood due to a Royal rule prohibiting any upgrade of honours from the King within a three-year period. Despite public calls for this rule to be waived in Sinfield’s case, given his extraordinary charitable efforts, it is expected to be upheld.

A petition advocating for him to receive the highest honour has garnered nearly 100,000 signatures, just short of the number required to trigger a parliamentary debate.

The 45-year-old was awarded a CBE two years ago.

Earlier this month, Sinfield completed his latest fundraising endeavour, amassing an additional £1.15 million for motor neurone disease charities.

The former England rugby league captain and England rugby union coach successfully undertook his 7 in 7: Together challenge, running seven ultramarathons of at least 28 miles over seven days across the UK and Ireland.

This marked his sixth endurance challenge, inspired by his former Rhinos team-mate and close friend Rob Burrow, who tragically passed away in 2024 after battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND) for four and a half years.

The latest fundraising total means he has now amassed over £11million for MND charities.

Upon completing the endurance challenge, Sinfield expressed his gratitude: “To the MND community and the people we’ve met on route,” he said. “All through the last week, all through the past five years, to everybody we’ve met – it’s an absolutely beautiful community. We’ve got to keep fighting for the MND community.”

Prince William personally reached out to Sinfield with a private message, and publicly praised him: “Your commitment to Rob and everyone affected by MND is truly inspiring. Thank you for shining a light on the need for research and support, and for the hope and example you bring. Look after those knees!”

Billy Boston, 91, from Wales, remains the only rugby league player to have been knighted, an honour he received last year.

Rory McIlroy is expected to receive an upgrade to the MBE he was awarded in 2011, following his Masters victory in April, which completed his grand slam of major golf tournaments.