Sinfield has rarely spoken publicly about his marriage, choosing to keep much of his family life private.

However, he offered a glimpse into their relationship in his autobiography.

“Without her I couldn't have done any of this. I couldn't have hoped for a better wife, companion or friend.”

Recalling their first meeting, he described Jayne as someone without whom he could not have achieved so much.

It was a rare public tribute from a man better known for his achievements on the rugby field and his extraordinary charity work.

Jayne's role in his knighthood story

Jayne also played a part in the moment Sinfield discovered he was receiving a knighthood.

Speaking about the news, the former Leeds Rhinos captain revealed that the couple had been heading out for dinner when Jayne spotted an important letter.

She told him to pull over so they could read it.

It turned out to be the news that Sinfield would receive one of the country's highest honours.

The pair later attended his investiture at Windsor Castle together on 7 October.

From rugby legend to national hero

Sinfield's remarkable fundraising efforts began after his close friend and former Leeds teammate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019.

Burrow sadly died in June 2024, but Sinfield has continued raising money and awareness for families affected by the condition.

His endurance challenges have included seven marathons in seven days, a 101-mile run and a final seven-day ultramarathon challenge in 2026.

His fundraising has now passed £13 million, helping support the MND community and vital research.

Sinfield's knighthood recognises both his rugby career and his tireless charity work.

For all the medals, trophies and public recognition, though, his words about Jayne offer a reminder of the family life he has largely kept away from the cameras.

Here are 10 quirky facts about Kevin Sinfield that go beyond the usual trophy list:

1. He played over 500 games for just one club

In an era of transfers and big-money moves, Sinfield spent his entire professional rugby league career with the Leeds Rhinos, making more than 500 appearances and becoming arguably the greatest captain in the club's history.

2. His son is following in his footsteps

Kevin's son, Jack Sinfield, is a professional rugby league player himself, having come through the Leeds Rhinos system before moving to Wakefield Trinity.

3. He's a football fan at heart

Despite becoming a rugby icon, Sinfield grew up supporting Oldham Athletic and regularly attended matches before his own sporting career took off.

4. He switched rugby codes late in his career

After becoming a Leeds Rhinos legend, he surprised many by moving to rugby union with Yorkshire Carnegie in 2015, proving he wasn't afraid of a new challenge.

5. He was runner-up to Andy Murray

In 2015, Sinfield became the first rugby league player ever shortlisted for the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, finishing second to Andy Murray.

6. His brother was an international rugby player too

Rugby runs in the family. Kevin's older brother, Ian Sinfield, represented Scotland in rugby league.

7. He has completed some ridiculous endurance challenges

Since Rob Burrow's MND diagnosis, Sinfield has run seven marathons in seven days, 101 miles in 24 hours, multiple ultra-marathons, and countless other fundraising feats.

8. He's raised more than most charities dream of

His fundraising efforts for motor neurone disease have helped generate well over £15 million and transformed awareness of the condition across the UK.

9. He's got an impressive honours collection

Sinfield has progressed from MBE to OBE and then CBE, a rare achievement that reflects both his sporting success and charitable work.

10. Desert Island Discs was one of his proudest appearances

Among all the Grand Finals and Challenge Cups, Sinfield has spoken fondly about being invited onto BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs