‘I got knocked out cold’… Sir Kevin Sinfield reveals the rugby match that changed his career forever

EXCLUSIVE: Sir Kevin Sinfield overcame adversity in one of the best performances of his career.

The co-founder of Legacy Locker, who has raised an incredible amount of money for charity through gruelling challenges in memory of his friend, Rob Burrow, carved out an incredible legacy in rugby league.

Sir Kevin Sinfield was knocked out in the 2012 Super League Grand Final

On October 6, 2012, Sir Kevin Sinfield marched into battle as Leeds Rhinos clashed with Warrington Wolves in the Super League Grand Final.

In a testament to his unrelenting will to win, the legend recovered from being rendered unconscious to play a pivotal role in his side emerging victorious 26-18 in a thrilling game.

Showcasing his remarkable ability, Sinfield scored a try and five goals in a display that earned him the Harry Sunderland Trophy.

And thanks to his brilliance in that match, the very next day he received a phone call that would change his life forever.

In an exclusive interview with Sporf, the 46-year-old reminisced: “It was a bit surreal. I think the game has improved a lot in the way it looks after players now, with the rules around concussion, but back then, they weren’t in place. I got knocked out cold in a game, got up, and carried on. Thankfully, we went on to win the Grand Final, playing alongside Rob Burrow and some other great friends. It was a pretty special day. I can’t remember much after I got knocked out. The following day, getting the call to ask if I wanted to be England captain made it a really special couple of days. It was certainly a highlight that weekend.”

Sir Kevin Sinfield is making a difference with Legacy Locker

Sinfield has co-founded Legacy Locker—an app which gives people a personal, secure space to protect the things that matter most—from personal documents to family photographs. Users can even create special messages for their loved ones to be viewed long after they’re gone.

The retired rugby star believes he’s providing a service of paramount importance.

Sinfield explained: “I’m delighted to be involved. I think we all take the future for granted, and I think this gives us a way of securing, saving and creating memories, getting things in place for when the inevitable happens, which none of us wants to think about, but it will happen at some point to all of us. When we leave this world, what we leave for those we love and care about is really important. The big thing that pulled me here was the charitable side of it. 25% of it all goes to a charity of your choice — it’s something I’m really passionate about.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty