Kevin Sinfield – Freedom of the Borough of Oldham – very proud to be able to formally second this proposal to make him a Honorary Freeman last night (20/03/23)

Kevin Sinfield has Oldham in his DNA, and it is only right and proper we make him a Freeman of our Borough.

A former player at Waterhead ARLC the boy has done well to say the least.  And I say that as St Anne’s fan myself!

Fly – half for Leeds Rhinos and captain – proper big boy rugby and a credit to his Town. 

He also played on the international stage with both England and Great Britain.

Kevin is a seven-time Super League champion, two-time Challenge Cup and triple World Club Challenge winner.

To this day, Kevin stills holds the record as the highest points scorer for the Rhinos at 3,697 and the Super League record of 3,443.

Following his playing career, of which he is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers in rugby league history, Kevin was appointed Rugby Director of the Rugby Football League in 2016.

He helped lead England to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final before returning to Rhinos the following year as their first-ever Director of Rugby.

Kevin left Leeds a second time for Rugby Union, when he became defence coach for Leicester Tigers.

He is the current defence coach for the England national rugby union team, and certainly has his work cut out in that role.

But some of Kevin’s biggest achievements are to massively raise the profile of Motor Neurone Disease or MND as it is called.

His former Leeds team-mate Rob Burrows was diagnosed with MND.  And Kevin his former captain and close friend set about raising money and the awareness of MND.

Seven marathons in seven days in 2020.  Kevin raised more than £2.7 million for his friend Rob and the MND Association.

Most recently a staggering seven ultramarathons in seven days. Smashing his original fundraising target of £777,777, Seven being Rob’s former number.

So, his sporting achievements merit this award on their own. 

However, it’s his work for charity and especially MND and his mate Rob Burrows that clearly takes him well over the try line and between the sticks.

We all need to be a little more Kevin!

I am honoured to second the proposal to make Kevin Sinfield OBE a Freeman of the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham.