William and Kate surprise Sinfield on MND run

On the third day of his "7 in 7: The Grand Finale challenge" to raise funds for motor neurone disease (MND), Sir Kevin Sinfield was surprised by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield. The Leeds Rhinos legend was aiming to complete seven ultramarathons in seven days, honoring his late friend Rob Burrow, who passed away in 2024 after battling the disease for four years.

As Sinfield arrived at the stadium, he was greeted by hundreds of supporters and the royal couple, who took the time to chat with him and his team. Kate remarked, "What you're doing is so inspiring – the unity that you're building." William advised him, "Make sure you hold yourself together for another few days." Burrow's children – Macy, Maya, and Jackson – joined the royal couple to welcome Sinfield.

Sinfield planned to run from Hull to Manchester, visiting all 12 Super League clubs before participating in the Grand Final on Saturday. During his journey, he was accompanied by England rugby union head coach Steve Borthwick, former Olympian Steve Cram, and Charlie Ireland from Clarkson's Farm. Each ultramarathon in the challenge consists of 7km segments completed within an hour before starting the next.

Sinfield began day three at Bishopthorpe Palace in York, passing through cities such as Tadcaster and Castleford along the way. Joined by Borthwick, Cram, and Ireland, Sinfield set off from Bishopthorpe Palace with Borthwick. Earlier, the royal pair visited Headingley stadium in Leeds, where they met Leeds Rhinos CEO Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, a long-time friend of Burrow, and former captain Danny McGuire.

The prince commented on Burrow's small stature, noting, "Rob was so small but so brave…we followed him, he inspired us." McGuire added, "What he lacked in size, he made up for in his voice," praising his comic personality in the dressing room. The royal couple also met Leeds Rhinos Foundation representatives and discussed the organization's efforts to use sport to help young people.